By Rich Whittington
(San Gabriel) The Gabrielino Eagles avenged last Spring’s loss to the Glendale Nitros 28-6, Friday evening, in front of a small, yet vocal, crowd at Gabrielino High School.
The Eagles began the evening with a bit of trickery, attempting an onside kick on the opening kickoff. The plan was successful, and gave Gabrielino the ball on the Glendale 31 yard line. The Eagles would score the games first points a minute later, when QB Brandon Chai connected with Jaycob Espinoza for a 14 yard score. This gave the
Eagles a 6-0 lead.
The score remained the same until late in the second quarter of play. Glendale, while able to keep the Eagles out of the end zone on a 4th and 2 situation, took possession on their own 1- yard line. They were unable to gain any ground, and subsequently were forced to punt from their own end zone. The punter stepped on the end line, giving
Gabrielino a Safety…making the score 8-0 at halftime.
The Eagles opened the scoring in the second half, finding pay dirt on a 52-yard run by RB Zachary Hill. Hill would also convert the PAT attempt, making the score 15-0, with 10:43 remaining in the third quarter of play.
Glendale erased the zero from the scoreboard late in the third quarter, when QB Keirson Florita connected with WR Dino Villalobos for a 29-yard catch and run. This made the score 15-6, Gabrielino, with 2:40 remaining in the third quarter.
The final quarter of the evening belonged to the Eagles. Gabrielino scored at the 11:54
mark, when Chai scored on a two -yard blast. The Eagles would add the
game’s final points, when RB Jesus Lopez scored on an 11-yard run, with 54 seconds
remaining in the contest. This made the final 28-6.
The game had more than its fair share of defensive highlights. In addition to numerous sacks and tackles for losses, the teams combined for three turnovers. Glendale DT Anthony Lopez recovered a fumble in the first quarter, while teammate Chino Alonzo intercepted a pass early in the second period. Finishing out the turnover was Gabrielino’s
Zachary Hill, who intercepted a pass of his own.
Glendale’s next contest is Thursday night when the Nitros will travel to La Canada to
battle the Spartans. Gabrielinos next game is Friday night when the eagles will host the San Gabriel Matadors.
Gabrielino will surprise many people this year. Coach Mena has the boys playing above their potential. Watch out as the journey starts tonight in first league game versus South El Monte. Remember where you heard it first