GAME RECAP AND TOP PHOTOS: Los Alamitos Erases a 12-0 Deficit to Take Season Opener in Inglewood

Football season was back in Southern California as the Los Alamitos Griffins traveled to Inglewood High School to take on the Sentinels on Friday Night. Inglewood got things going early in the 2nd Quarter to take a 12-0 lead. The Sentinels’ aggressive offense set the tone, capitalizing on Los Alamitos’ initial struggles to dominate early in the 2nd Quarter.

Los Alamitos turned the tide by exploiting Inglewood’s special teams mistakes. Quarterback Colin Creason connected with Beckham Hofland for a touchdown, narrowing the score to 12-7 late in the second quarter. The Griffins carried this momentum into the second half, where Kamden Tillis opened the scoring with a rushing touchdown, taking a 13-12 lead. A missed two-point conversion kept the game tight, but Los Alamitos refused to relent. In the fourth quarter, a pivotal blocked punt gave the Griffins a golden opportunity. They drove down the field, and Lenny Ibarra sealed the victory with a rushing touchdown, followed by a successful PAT, bringing the final score to 20-12.

The win showcased Los Alamitos’ ability to adapt under pressure, overcoming a double-digit deficit on the road. Inglewood’s early dominance faded as the Griffins’ defense tightened and their offense found its rhythm. Key moments, including Hofland’s clutch reception and Ibarra’s decisive run, proved instrumental in securing the season opener.

Looking ahead, Los Alamitos will head to Hawaii next week to take on Kapolei, aiming to build on this hard-fought victory. Meanwhile, Inglewood will travel to Fresno to face Central East, seeking to rebound from the narrow defeat. Both teams are poised for exciting matchups as the season progresses, with fans eager to see how these early performances shape their campaigns.