By ALONZO TREJO
Special To The Times
Four different levels of youth football Cougars took the field recently, the weekend action resulting in three wins and one loss for the local program.
Junior Novice
The youngest Cougars squad faced off against the AMA Bullfrogs in a challenging matchup that ended in a 30-13 defeat for the Cougars. Despite the loss, the team showed determination and grit throughout the game.
Sebastian Coronado, Isaiah Gonzalez, and Hunter Jones each recorded two tackles, showcasing their defensive prowess. Maverick Santos and Jacob Mackrell added one tackle apiece, contributing to a solid defensive effort. Jack Noack also chipped in with a tackle.
Sebastian Martinez was a standout for the Cougars, leading the defense with six tackles. On the offensive side, Martinez found the end zone twice, scoring both of Escalon’s touchdowns and keeping the team in the game.
The Bullfrogs, however, proved to be too strong, ultimately pulling away for the win. Despite the loss, the Cougars can take pride in their efforts and look forward to building on their performance in the next game.
Novice
In a game defined by a relentless defensive effort, the Cougars triumphed over the AMA Bullfrogs with a 6-0 victory. Both teams showcased strong defenses, but it was Escalon’s performance that sealed the win.
Leading the charge for the Cougars was Andres Jimenez, who put on a remarkable display with 13 tackles and the game’s only touchdown. His defensive dominance and ability to find the end zone proved critical in the tightly contested matchup.
Liam Lombardi and Trenton Kjellberg both contributed with seven tackles, while Jase Govia added six tackles, all playing key roles in keeping the Bullfrogs off the scoreboard. Eric Cardenas, Zackariah Doty, Josiah Canela, and Westyn Costa each recorded four tackles, further solidifying the defensive wall.
The Cougar defense was rounded out by contributions from Couper Nielsen, Noah Canela, Andrew Machado, Karson Sandretto, and Gunner Engstrand, all of whom made two tackles each.
JV
The JV Cougars secured a narrow 12-8 victory over the AMA Bullfrogs in a game filled with intense moments and standout performances. The Cougar defense held strong, while timely offensive plays made the difference.
Jacob Barker made his presence felt on both sides of the ball, recording one tackle and scoring a crucial touchdown. Julian Cruz also shined, contributing two tackles and adding another touchdown, which ultimately provided the margin needed for the win.
On the defensive front, Logan Gonzalez and Brodi Moorman led the charge with three tackles each, playing pivotal roles in containing the Bullfrogs’ offense. Landon Machado and Colton Faria each chipped in with two tackles, helping to keep AMA in check.
Mason Hoover and Damion Sorrick also made key contributions with one tackle each, as the defense stood tall against AMA’s attempts to rally.
The Bullfrogs managed to score late in the game, but Escalon’s defense held firm, ensuring the Cougars emerged victorious in this tightly contested matchup. The Cougars will aim to carry this momentum into their upcoming games as they continue to fight for success this season.
Varsity
The Varsity Cougars delivered an outstanding performance against the AMA Bullfrogs, securing a decisive 30-6 win. The game was highlighted by a series of stellar defensive plays and key contributions on offense.
Noah Gonsalves led the defense with eight tackles and a crucial fumble recovery, setting the tone for Escalon’s dominant performance. Trey Herrera was equally impactful, recording six tackles and recovering a fumble of his own, adding to AMA’s offensive woes.
Ty Caton and Landen DeCroix tallied six and five tackles, respectively, and both made game-changing interceptions. Caton’s coverage helped limit AMA’s passing game, while DeCroix’s interception further stifled any chance of a Bullfrogs comeback.
Steven Fenton was the star of the game, contributing four tackles and scoring three touchdowns on offense. His highlight of the day came on defense, where he returned an interception for a touchdown, electrifying the crowd and solidifying Escalon’s lead.
Trevor Jansen also found the end zone with a receiving touchdown, along with his three tackles, adding to the Cougars offensive output. Jaxon DeGruy, Diego Garcia, and Cristian Camara added three and two tackles, respectively, supporting the squad’s defensive dominance.
Ryker Lial made his presence felt with a tackle and an interception, continuing the defensive onslaught. Cole Morrill, Jaxxon Kemp, Adam Cordeiro, and Lucas Trejo each contributed one tackle to the team’s all-around effort.
The Cougar defense was impenetrable, and the offense capitalized on every opportunity, resulting in a comprehensive win over the Bullfrogs. Escalon will look to maintain this high level of play as they move forward in the season.
