Varsity gridders secure win, seek to improve record
by ERICA SUH
Looking for a win against the La Serna Lancers at home Sept. 12 at 7, the varsity gridders hope to improve their preseason record of 1-1.
La Serna currently has a preseason record of 1-1 after defeating Los Osos and losing to the Bonita Bearcats.
“Our team has a lot to prove this year,” said senior Tristan Rojas. “I think we are more disciplined and dominating, and losing is not an option.”
After losing to the Bonita Bearcats Aug. 29, the gridders made a comeback by defeating the El Monte Lions Sept. 5 away.
During the entire game, the Spartans maintained a lead. With a strong start, they scored a touchdown within the first five minutes, giving them a 7-0 lead. In the next several minutes, the Spartans continued their offensive to show their strength on offense and scored two more touchdowns, ending the quarter 21-0.
The Spartans were unable to score in the second quarter, allowing the Lions to score a touchdown. However, the gridders maintained their lead with a halftime score of 21-6.
With six minutes left in the third quarter, senior Juan Sanchez scored a touchdown, passing four tacklers to increase the lead to 28-6.
About two minutes into the fourth quarter, junior Anthony Varela scored another touchdown. The Spartans ended the game with a 35-6 victory.
“The team understands we can’t take anything lightly,” said Rojas. “We have a mission that was not reached last year, and we are hungry to overcome it.”
During the game against the Bearcats Aug. 29 at home, the Spartans suffered a 37-20 loss, losing their first game. Junior Noah Quintero led the scoring with two touchdowns.
The Bearcats took the lead in the first quarter, scoring twice. The Spartans were unable to score, ending the quarter at 23-0.
However, in the second quarter, the Spartans upped their defense, preventing the Bearcats from scoring any points. At the start of the quarter, Quintero ran a 95-yard touchdown, boosting the team’s morale. With a minute left in the quarter, Rojas scored another touchdown, bringing the half to a close at 23-14.
The Spartans continued to catch up throughout the third quarter. With six minutes remaining, Quintero scored another touchdown, making it a three-point game. Bonita was unable to score, and the quarter ended at 23-20.
In the final quarter, the Spartans stepped up their game, but fell short in their quest for victory as the Bearcats scored two touchdowns. The game ended with a final score of 37-20.