Colton, CA—This Friday, Colton football took their second win of the season against Arrowhead Christian Academy, winning a close game 23-21.
It was a game that almost wasn’t played, with athletic director Mike Reh working with CIF and school officials to ensure student safety as temperatures were still in triple digits at 7 p.m. and the local Line Fire in Highland bringing concerns about air quality for the athletes.
Going into the game, the Yellowjackets were down a few players from their starting lineup, with injuries and suspensions from the previous week taking a few players from the field. There was also the heatwave holding them back all week from hard training.
“This game was filled with a lot of adversity, injuries we couldn’t control, but we came together as a team and got an ugly win,” said quarterback Koa Regalado.
Regalado continues to shine against the competition, throwing for 231 yards and two touchdowns against two interceptions. He also rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown.
The Yellowjackets first touchdown came early in the first quarter after a dramatic interception by junior Carlos Garcia, which led to a touchdown reception by freshman Johnathan Quiroz.
Quiroz had a breakout game, leading all Colton receivers with 92 yards and a touchdown. Kalvin Leon caught six passes for a total of 66 yards, including a 40 yard bomb from Regalado.
Despite the early setback for the Eagles, they came soaring back on the running speed of senior quarterback Mark Oosten, scoring the next two touchdowns to take a 14-7 lead.
Colton tied the game at 14 with 2:30 left late in the first half, as Regaldo found receiver Michael Amador in the end zone. It looked like the game would be tied at the half, but another Arrowhead turnover led to a late field goal by Ghael Pasos that sent Colton into the half ahead 17-14.
In the second half, the defenses settled in. Colton’s defense, which has been struggling against the run this season, was especially strong in containing Arrowhead. Junior Athan Aguayo led the team with a total of five tackles, four of them solo. Kalvin Leon notched another interception, and freshman defensive back Julian Ambriz snagged his first interception of the season.
With a quiet third quarter and three injured players on the bench, the final quarter had everyone on their feet.
The Eagles scored their last touchdown early in the fourth to go up 21-17, but Regaldo fought hard through the defense and found himself throwing the winning touchdown with six minutes left to seal the victory.
“I thought after a week like last week, they came out here and gutted it out,” said head coach Ray Rodriguez, “I was proud of them.”
Next week, Colton travels up the hill to face their local rivals, the Grand Terrace Titans, who are currently 0-3. Game starts at 7 p.m.
Skyline League Notes
Norte Vista (3-0) def. Fontana (2-1) 36-28
In a Thursday night matchup, the Norte Vista Braves handed Fontana their first loss of the season, 36-28. Notre Vista shut down the Steelers in the first half, and held onto the victory as the Steelers came fighting back with a 22 point fourth quarter.
Bloomington (2-1) def. Rubidoux (1-2) 38-11
The Bruins went to 2-1 on the season with a blowout of Rubidoux on Thursday night, 38-11. Their defense held the Falcons to three scoreless quarters.
Hemet (3-0) def. Carter (1-2) 40-18
After struggling in the first quarter to put points on the board, Hemet took control of the game against Carter en route to a 40-18 blowout over the Lions.
San Bernardino (2-1) def. Arroyo Valley (0-2) 27-0
Arroyo Valley played their second game of the season on Thursday night, traveling to San Bernardino High, where they were trounced by the Cardinals 27-0. San Bernardino was led by senior running back Jaimonnie Stanley, who rushed for 223 yards and two touchdowns, including one rush for 66 yards.
Xavier Prep (2-1) def. Riverside Notre Dame (0-3) 47-0
Notre Dame continues to struggle on the season, getting shutout for the second time in three games, 47-0 by Xavier Prep. No statistics were entered for this game.
