The Colton Yellowjackets had one goal in mind this year and that was to capture the CIF title; however, they could not achieve it. The year was a long one, filled with ups and downs, triumphs and defeats, amazing plays and devastating injuries, particulary to lineman Chandler Gustason and linebacker Jordan Huesca. In the end, the Jackets exited in the first round of the playoffs to Rancho Verde, the team they beat for the CIF title three years ago, perhaps giving a small measure of revenge to the Mustangs.
The last two games of the season contained just the kinds of highs and lows the Jackets experienced all year. After starting the season 4-4, and coming off two big road wins at Bloomington and Grand Terrace, the squad lost to the Kaiser Cats, 14-0. The Jackets then finished the year with a sweet win against the Fontana Steelers, 28-24, in a close game at Fontana High School, guaranteeing them a trip to the playoffs. The first half of the Steeler game was all Fontana offense. Fontana scored with three touchdowns, stealing the football from the Jackets. However, the momentum changed when Colton scored a rushing TD. After the touchdown, Fontana came back with a touchdown of their own, ending the half.
After the halftime break, Colton quarterback Alex Taledo, showing his tremendous range and throwing ability, tossed two 35-yard passes to wide receiver Isaiah Cisneros for touchdowns. While the Colton crowd was going crazy over the Jackets’ comeback, the Fontana crowd was silent in agony, as the game ended. Coach Mailo commented after the game saying, “I am glad we made the CIF playoffs, this was a great win for us.”
But the game after, unfortunately, Yellowjackets suffered a huge loss, 52-3, against Rancho Verde’s Mustangs in the first round of the CIF Playoffs in Moreno Valley, crushing their championship dreams. Coach Mailo commented, “We did not win and get the opportunity to move ahead but at least we had a good season this year.”
The first quarter in the CIF game provided some Yellowjacket offense with a field goal but unfortunately, it was the only score that Colton would make. The second quarter was then turned into a scoring frenzy as Rancho Verde’s offense was completely rolling. Touchdown after touchdown, the boys in Crimson and Gold were not able to stop Rancho.
After the halftime break, as in the first half, the Mustangs offense kept heating up once again for the rest of the last two quarters, ending the game, and Colton’s season. It was a disappointing end to a season filled with emotions, but the team exited the field with their heads held high with Colton pride.