![Damian Sanchez was unstoppable in the second quarter, rushing for 96 yards and 2 touchdowns. [Crimson & Gold staff]](https://pepperbough.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_4091-1200x800.jpg)
Colton, CA—With a balanced offensive attack in the second half, the Yellowjackets put their first notch in the win column this season, defeating the Big Bear Bears 32-28.
“It was a balanced offense,” head coach Ray Rodriguez said proudly after the game. “If we’re going to be successful we have to be able to do both.”
The Yellowjackets definitely showed up both in the air and on the ground against Big Bear.
Freshman quarterback Koa Regalado put together his most complete game yet in his young high school career, passing for 183 yards on 12-of-15 attempts and two touchdowns. The kid also ran for a 13-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter that secured the victory for the Yellowjackets.
And as if the passing game wasn’t enough, with Alex Juarez (80 yards, one touchdown) and Riley Rogers (83 yards) showing off their skills, running back Damian Sanchez had his best game of the season. He ran for 159 yards, three touchdowns, and a two-point conversion.
“They’re just sorry,” an excited Sanchez said after the game about his opponents. “I watched film and they’re sorry.”
Regalado was more interested in the performance of his own team. “I had good blocking up there. Gave me some time,” he said. “We made plays today. I know we struggled the last couple weeks catching the ball, but this week we came out and caught the ball.”
In the first quarter, Colton got off to a great start when kickoff returner Kalvin Leon cut through the Big Bear line for 65 yards down to the Bears 15 yard line. This set up Regalado for a 14 yard touchdown pass to Alex Juarez.
The Yellowjacket defense did the work in the first quarter, too, shutting down the robust Bears’ run game, which came in averaging 407 yards a game.
In the second quarter, the two teams took turns throwing punches at each other. Sanchez ran for 96 yards and two touchdowns in the quarter, including a monster 36-yard touchdown run midway through the quarter.
Meanwhile, the Bears run game established itself in the second quarter, going into the half up 22-18.
In the second half, the Colton defense came back recharged and shut down Big Bear again, giving the offense opportunity to reclaim the lead 26-22 on a 7-yard touchdown pass from Regalado to Sanchez. Senior receiver Juarez had a huge play to set up that score, as Regalado connected with him on a 47-yard bomb that put Colton on the Bears’ 16-yard line.
The defense kept up their stingy play in the fourth quarter, only giving up a late game touchdown to the Bears that added some extra suspense down the stretch. Meanwhile, Regalado shined, hitting freshman Riley Rogers for a big 33-yard pass that put the quarterback in a position to use his legs on a 9-yard touchdown run.
With this victory, Colton is now 1-2 on the season.
The home game against Big Bear this season is part of a flip-flop that took place last year after wildfires ravaged the Big Bear area, causing school closures and making travel for the Bears a challenge. Colton agreed to play last year’s scheduled home game in Big Bear and Big Bear agreed to travel down to Colton this season.
Last year, Big Bear defeated the Yellowjackets 28-16.
Military and First Responders Honored
Prior to the game, Colton High celebrated local military service personnel and first responders in a ceremony. Those honored included Army veterans, local law enforcement, and campus security.
“It’s pretty cool to be recognized,” said Albert Muñoz, an Army veteran who served in Vietnam. “You know, I had a lot of friends when I was in the military—we were still in Vietnam—they never had this. To see the progression of support from the community is pretty cool.”
Many veterans brought their support animals with them as members of an organization called Working Dogs for Warriors. Army veteran Ching Trenchard spoke about how her golden poodle, Poppy, helps her. “It’s so important for each and everyone of us with PTSD,” she said. “She helps me get up and down the stairs. PTSD is a big part of our organization. Suicide rate is so high.”
According to the Veteran’s Administration, in 2020 the suicide rate was 31.7 suicides per 100,000 people. This is nearly double the national average of 16.1 per 100,000.
Skyline League Notes
Bloomington improved to 3-0, defeating Jurupa Valley 24-13. No box score was available.
San Gorgonio (4-0) continued their winning ways, blowing out Citrus Hill, 34-0. Quarterback Peyton Clark threw for 118 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Dillon Carolina ran for 144 and two touchdowns.
Arroyo Valley (3-1) defeated AB Miller, 55-26. No box score was available.
Fontana (2-2) defeated Ontario, 42-14. Junior running backs R. Williams (166 yards, 4 touchdowns) and Ruben Camacho (105 yards, 1 touchdown) combined for 271 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Notre Dame (0-4) continues to struggle, getting blown out 69-0 by Xavier Prep.
