To mark the end of the regular season, the Ayala Bulldogs hosted the Etiwanda Eagles, both teams battling out to not fall last place in the Baseline League. With it being the last home game of the season for the Bulldogs, they hosted their Senior Night an hour before the game, with senior players, cheerleaders, and athletic trainers being honored. The vibes beforehand were electric, as both teams both saw struggles throughout their season. Each school aimed to fight for a scrap chance in playoffs and not be last in a star studded league.
From the start of the game, the battle between the two teams looked like it would be left down to a last minute touchdown or even a field goal. Both offenses were held to punts or failed fourth down drives, as defense from Ayala and Etiwanda were locked down. However, Ayala managed to get into field goal range to hopefully put up a three point lead, but the kick was blocked and recovered by an Etiwanda defender, who brought it all the way back to put the Eagles up 0-7. Defense would be locked down for the rest of the quarter for both sides, ending the quarter with the same score.
The second quarter was a field day for the Ayala offense, who put up 21 points with big touchdown plays and amazing offensive schemes. Defense for both sides let up a bit from the strong first quarter they had, as Etiwanda’s defense started to heat up, putting up 14 points on an Ayala defense that has been stellar these past couple weeks. Offense for Ayala seemed promising going into half, but the defense would have to step up in order to maintain a close win and a possible close victory.
Coming back from half, with the game tied at 21, the Bulldogs looked to capitalize on receiving the second half kick. Ayala’s powerhouse offense had gone quiet in the third quarter, not taking advantage of any field position and going scoreless. Still, the Eagles did not let up, scoring 14 points on Ayala’s defense that lost all momentum coming back from half. By the end of the third quarter the score was 21-35 in favor of Etiwanda.
By the fourth quarter the game had ultimately been decided. The Bulldogs were not responding to being down, as Etiwanda’s defense did not let up a score since the second quarter. Ayala’s defense, however, held the fast moving Etiwanda team to zero points, the first time all game to do so. A rather close notched game throughout had seemingly fallen apart coming back from halftime, as Etiwanda was the only team to score a single point in the second half. The game ultimately ended with a final score of 21-35.
The Bulldogs, now finished with their regular season, boasting a 2-8 overall record, have been qualified for the Division Six Playoffs. Ayala is set to face off against Northwood High School this Friday, November 8, away at Irvine Stadium.
