Northgate clinches playoff spot with decisive victory over Mt. Diablo

WALNUT CREEK — Northgate and Mt. Diablo both understood the stakes, that they controlled their own destiny. Win and lock up a spot in the playoffs. Lose, and their future was out of their hands.

With a chance at the dance on the line, Blayne Ballard and the Broncos handled business swiftly yet mercilessly. Behind Ballard’s three receiving touchdowns, pick-six and strip-six — five scores in total — Northgate easily defeated Mt. Diablo, 63-26, to secure the Diablo Athletic League’s second automatic playoff spot.