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Tiger offense was unstoppable in Friday night’s match against the Alhambra Moors resulting in a 27-0 Tiger shutout, bringing their pre-season record to 4-1. Both the running game and air offense were fierce with Quarterback Justin Huff passing for 167 yards, Jackson Totleben picking up 138 yards on 22 carries and Sidney Luna-Long running for 88 yards on 7 receptions and 1 touchdown.
With the game scoreless, early in the second quarter, Gavin Chi exploded through the Moor D-line, dragging them with him into the endzone for a first Tiger touchdown. Of the moment, Chi said, “my last few runs weren’t as good so I wanted to make up for it so I just put it in full gear and tried to get through there.” With a minute left in the first half, Danny Rios scored on a reception and 25 yard run bringing the score to 14-0 at the half.
At the top of the third quarter Huff connected with Rios again for a 9 yard touchdown. Sidney Luna-Long picked up significant yardage throughout the Tiger offensive resulting in a Huff to Luna-Long touchdown in the first minute of the 4th bringing the score to 27-0 where it stayed until the clock ran out.
Jackson Totleben gives credit to the Tiger Offensive line saying, “the biggest part was that our o-line was able to get a solid push allowing us to keep a run game going. Every yard was earned though we felt a lot more confident after #55 left the game.” Totleben says Alhambra was hitting hard and that middle linebacker #55 was particularly big and fast. He was taken out on an injury.
Coach Chi was surprised by the score because historically our games against Alhambra are tight, but he was not surprised by the heart the Tigers showed saying to the team “I was very proud of the way the defense stepped up today. It seems like everything is lining up for us and each week our opponents get tougher but we’re stepping up so I think we’re ready for the next opponent.” To which the Tigers responded “One Team, One Heartbeat!”
Coach Chi reflected, “we’re focused on each play, one day at a time, get better with each day. So far we’re very proud of the way the guys have responded to setbacks and injuries by stepping up.”
QB Huff said, “I didn’t think we would put up 27 points on Alhambra because every time we’ve played them it’s been a tight game. Our defense did a heck of a job. I want to thank Coach Chi for putting me in a spot to shine; I have to step up and make those throws. I appreciate him for that.”
SPHS will play its final preseason game against Eagle Rock next Thursday September 28, 7pm at Eagle Rock High School.
