MidValleySports.Com

By Rich Whittington

(Pasadena) – The UCLA Bruins continued to struggle Saturday evening, falling to the visiting Washington Huskies 48-14, in front of a reported attendance of 38,201 at the Rose Bowl.

UCLA won the opening toss but deferred until the second half. This proved to be a sound decision, as the Huskies were forced to punt after gaining only 24 yards. The punt was successful, forcing the Bruins to begin their first possession on their own 16- yard line. Neither team was able to establish much offense, with the first three possessions ending with punts or being turned over on downs.

The Bruins fumbled on their second possession. The fumble was recovered by Washington’s Dylan Robinson, giving the Huskies the ball on the Bruin 20-yard line. After three unsuccessful plays, Washington was forced to settle for a 36-yard Grady Gross field goal making the score 3-0 with 1:10 remaining in the opening quarter.

Washington extended their lead in the second quarter, when the Huskies established an 8 play, 65-yard drive that was cumulated by a 25-yard scoring run by quarterback Demond Williams, Jr. A successful Gross PAT made the score 10-0 with 10:56 remaining in the opening half.

The Bruins woes continued, as quarterback Nico Iamaleava fumbled on their next possession. The ball was recovered by Washington’s Deshawn Lynch, giving the Huskies the ball on the Bruin’s 45-yard line. This resulted in another Washington score, as Gross converted his second field goal of the evening…a successful 23-yard boot. This made the score 13-0 with 5:46 remaining in the opening half.

Another Bruin miscue, a bad snap on a field goal attempt, provided yet another scoring opportunity for the Huskies, as Alex McLaughlin converted a “scoop and score” opportunity for a 59-yard touchdown. An additional Gross kick made the score 20-0 with 1:29 remaining until halftime.

 

The third quarter did not start off any better for the Bruins. After receiving the kickoff to open the period, UCLA went three and out, punting the ball back to the Huskies. Washington was able to move the ball with ease, capping a 6 play, 55-yard scoring drive with a second Williams TD scramble…this time from 11 yards out. A third Gross PAT made the score 27-0 with 10:38 remaining in the third quarter.

UCLA’s issues got worse. On the Bruins’ next possession Iamaleava was sacked by Washington’s Bryce Butler, resulting in a 15-yard loss, and Iamaleava being knocked out of the game. This occurred with 8:36 remaining in the third quarter.

Washington continued to apply pressure, establishing a 6 play 68-yard scoring drive, ending with an 18-yard scoring pass from Williams to WR Dezmen Roebuck. Another Gross PAT made the score 34-0 with 5:24 remaining in the frame.

The next series featured Luke Duncan at quarterback for the Bruins. UCLA was finally able to get on the board, as Duncan connected with wide receiver Mikey Mathews for a 37-yard score. The PAT was added by Mateen Bhaghani, making the score 34-7, with 2:53 left in the stanza.

Washington’s scoring continued into the final quarter. The Huskies added a fifth touchdown when Jonah Coleman scored on a 1-yard blast to extend the lead to 41-7 with 12:53 remaining in the contest.

UCLA added its second score of the evening when Jamir Benjamin returned a Huskies fumble 13 yards for a defensive score. A second Bhaghani PAT made the score 41-14 with 11:19 left to play.

Washington’s final score of the night came when Williams connected with Glendora’s own Decker DeGraaf for a 24-yard touchdown with 7:14 remaining in the contest.

UCLA’s final possession of the evening ended with a pair of Duncan passes missing their respective targets. Washington took over on downs and proceeded to run out the clock.
UCLA will conclude their season next Saturday, when they travel to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to battle their cross-town rival, the USC Trojans. The kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM.