DANVILLE >> No matter the records or circumstances, San Ramon Valley’s annual league game against California is always a big deal.

The two schools, separated by just three freeway exits, battled on Friday night for bragging rights and the chance to stay undefeated.

Led by a strong defensive effort in the fourth quarter, SRV came out victorious with a 38-26 win at home in an East Bay Athletic League Mountain Division opener.

“It’s a close-town rivalry,” said SRV linebacker Marco Jones. “We grew up with a lot of these guys, so it’s a good game no matter what our records. It was a tough win and it’s a big step so far for us this season.”

With a highly anticipated matchup next week against De La Salle — the Bay Area News Group’s No. 1 ranked team — Friday’s win gives the undefeated Wolves momentum in what will be a highly-anticipated game.

“It’s another layer of confidence that we’re continuing to do the right things,” said SRV head coach Aaron Becker. “Hopefully we’re ready to take on that challenge.”

SRV’s defense forced three interceptions and got to the quarterback four times — three of which came in the final six minutes of the game.

Running back Matthew Garibaldi led the Wolves with 236 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Garibaldi also caught a nine-yard score from quarterback Rhett Thompson, who finished with 167 yards and three touchdowns.

Cal running back Jhadis Luckey led the Grizzlies with 159 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.

SRV took a two-score lead in the second quarter after Thompson found Owen Scott for an eight-yard touchdown.

On the next possession, California drove 83 yards in seven plays that ended with Luckey’s second touchdown of the first half, this time from five yards out.

Noah Henzi’s 21-yard field goal gave SRV a 24-14 lead at halftime.

Down 12 with 6:43 left in the game, Cal still had a chance to stay in the game but needed to score quickly.

SRV’s defense didn’t allow that to happen.

On third-and-long near midfield, Jones and senior edge rusher Braeden Forschler got to the quarterback to force a long fourth down try that Cal wouldn’t convert.