After a long summer training for their first battle, Colton football never expected the 35-7 loss that was given to them by San Diego’s Torrey Pines followed by another loss of 48-10 to JW North’s Huskies. In the Yellowjacket’s defense, this year has started off slow due to injuries and personal team issues including the loss of three members of their coaching staff. But will that stop them from defending their title as CIF champions?

“A loss is a lost memory, a fight is what we crave to bring,” quotes senior Kenneth Almaraz who plays defensive tackle. These past two games brought about several mistakes that were repeatedly made, such as a few fumbles caused by the center, and bad calls from the officials, also the misread routes by defensive backs.

But after making mistakes these last three matches, there’s no doubt they’ve been getting their stuff together. In practices they’ve made several adjustments making an overall improved team with different tactics. Having gone over new plays as well as different techniques, the team has also been looking over penalties that were made during these games.

During the first battle against Torriey Pines, several players were injured such as senior Dominic Garcia (dislocated ankle) who had already had a back injury and senior Andrew Alvarado (sprained back) but is now recovered.

Junior Jordan Ah’honi, who’s a starting and returning running back, has been out for both preseason games due to a dislocated kneecap but he also is now recovered.

But nevertheless, last Thursday night against the Summit Seahawks, Colton was given another beating. They jumped off the ball all night with many flags being pulled by the officials and not to mention a running clock was used in the fourth quarter. After losing 35-0, the questions left are either the offense is having trouble scoring, or the defense is having trouble blocking. Which is it? Is this disaster a consequence to the loss of three coaches including coach Bray?

As former players who graduated last year come support the team on game nights, they witness how their absence may have a major affect on the team this year. Players such as Devan Hussy, John Taylor, Tyler Ervin, Rodney Hardrick, Jordan Mixon, and Hasten Roberts were last year’s key players and now Colton hopes their replacements step in and get the job done during season.

Still being in the San Andreas League, league begins tonight against Rialto and expectations are high.

This year’s homecoming game will be against the San Bernardino Cardinals Friday, October 21st.