No Win in First League Game

By: Francisco Valenzuela Jr.

Community Writer

Photo Courtesy of:

Titan Mom Elvira

Photo Description:

The team has yet to give and continues to push through.

In a rematch of the Citrus League title game from last season. the undefeated Henry J. Kaiser team at home faced Grand Terrace, who were still trying to get their first win of the season. A win for the Titans would be the bounce back they need and would end their season on a good note. Kaiser Cats looked to continue their undefeated season and defend their League title by winning a consecutive Citrus league title which they were on pace for.  Grand Terrace Titans started the game with the ball and were forced to punt after a slow 3 and out. Kaiser Cats had a 3 and outdrive as well and punted the ball.  The Cats forced a turnover on downs after stopping GT on fourth down in their RedZone. Kaiser drove down to GT’s 35-yard line, completed a pass for 27-yards to set up first and goal. Quarterback, Trevian Tribble #5 kept the ball and found an open hole for a 4-yard touchdown run. The extra point was no good for a score of 6-0.  With 2:34 left in the 2nd quarter, GT Titans had the ball on the 32-yard line as the Quarterback, Mekhi Lewis #12 threw a dime to a wide-open Dominic Balderrama #3 who then ran down the sideline for a 68-yard touchdown. GT took the first lead of the game going up 7-6! Kaiser Cats received the ball and quickly got to GT’s 30-yard line off of 2 deep passes on 2 plays. Kaiser’s QB Trevian Tribble #5 passed it to Nate Bedolla #2 for 18-yards to get down to the 12-yard line. Next play, QB Trevian Tribble #5 extended the play by rolling out the pocket but forced a pass that was intercepted by Dominic Balderrama #3 who had made amazing plays for his team on both sides of the ball in the first half. Kaiser Cats started the second half with the ball and wasn't wasting time. They got down the field in a hurry, using Gabriel Ortiz #44 to execute their rushing attack getting 2 first downs then carried a defender to barely reach the first down making it first and goal on the 4-yard line. QB, Trevian Tribble #5 ran it in himself for the 4-yard rushing touchdown giving Kaiser the lead back. 12-7. Trevian Tribble #5 faked the end around handoff and ran it up the middle untouched for the 2-point conversion. 14-7. Grand Terrace offense needed to score on their next drive to give their team a chance to win. Three first downs in a row off pass plays gave them their rhythm back. Lewis #12 handed it off to Malachi Morrison #7 for a 5-yard loss on third down that made it a tough 4th and 6. GT passed the ball on fourth down that was deflected down by the middle linebacker.  Grand Terrace regained possession with Lewis #12 slinging the ball to his favorite target Balderrama #3 for 43-yards. The ball was on the 17-yard line of Kaiser’s side. Lewis #12 fumbled the snap as Matthew Lua #23 picked up the fumble recovery and took it back 83-yards for the defensive touchdown. Huge lead 28-7 with 8 minutes left in the 4th quarter. Kaiser got the ball back after a GT punt giving them a chance to run the rock and end this game by keeping the clock run. The Cats ran it down to 2 minutes left before giving the ball up to GT. The Titans had the ball but the receiver dropped the ball and Gabriel Ortiz #44 of Kaiser returned it for a 35-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown showing a dominant performance on defense and next possession GT was not able to get anything going as the game clock ran out on them. Kaiser won 35-7. Kaiser Cats defend their League title with a win in the first league game of the year and the Titans leave still struggling to achieve their first win. Kaiser won 35-7 GT.