By Soleil Cardenas
The football team suffered their second straight loss to end their season.
The team played Golden West College in the Patriotic Bowl in Huntington Beach on Saturday.
With a 5-5 record on the season the football team qualified for a bowl game for the second year in row.
Going into the game, ELAC made adjustments offensively as quarterback Terrence Gipson, who started in their first eight games, would not be playing due to injuries. QB Frank Alvarez would also not be playing due to injuries.
Alvarez played in just four games, starting in only two, and had a completion rate of 67.1%. Defensive Lineman Quincy Ivory got his first start of the season as QB.
In the first quarter ELAC’s defense struggled against GWC’s offense.
GWC running back Ja’sean Pete, bowl game MVP, scored within the first seven minutes of the game. Pete gave his team an early lead of 7-0. The Husky offense struggled to get started in the first quarter.
Ivory got a slow start and was unable to connect on passes. ELAC’s defense was able to continue to hold Golden West to one score in the first quarter.
Andrew Lewis, defensive back for ELAC, ended the first quarter with a fourth down stop when he swatted GWC’s QB’s pass away.
ELAC was unable to get offensive momentum in the first quarter. GWC prevented any opportunity ELAC had at scoring.
In the second quarter, ELAC’s defense began to adjust and compete with GWC.
Omega Williams swatted down a pass, ultimately putting pressure on GWC. GWC were able to score with nine minutes remaining, furthering their lead 14-0.
Despite being unable to connect on passes resulting in a punt, ELAC’s defense was able to aggressively stop the other team’s offense.
In the last four minutes of the quarter, ELAC quickly made plays and score with only two minutes remaining in the second.
To continue their momentum ELAC put a stop to the GWC with a quick three-and-out. ELAC trailed by seven going into the half.
In the third quarter, a fumbled kickoff catch in the first play resulted in a safety, increasing GWC lead to 16-7.
GWC increased their lead to 22-7 with 11 minutes left in the third quarter.
ELAC’s offense failed to make plays in the third. GWC scored a field goal but was held from scoring again by ELAC’s defense. Going into the fourth GWC led 25-7.
Early in the fourth quarter an interception by Messiah Williams provided a necessary turnover.
ELAC lost its second appearance at the Patriotic Bowl, 32-14. The Football team’s final record is 5-6.