GAME RECAP: Griffins Fix Early Mistakes to take League Opener

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA- On a picturesque evening at Cap Sheue Field, the Los Alamitos Griffins clashed with the Fountain Valley Barons in a Sunset League showdown. Both teams entered the game with identical 3-2 records, adding extra anticipation to the matchup.

Early in the contest, both squads faced some struggles, but it was Los Alamitos who broke the deadlock. Alonzo Esparza connected with Hayden Eligon for a passing touchdown, giving the Griffins a 7-0 lead.

Los Alamitos wasted no time extending their advantage. Esparza found Carson Clark wide open in the end zone, pushing the Griffins’ lead to 14-0.

The Griffins maintained their momentum late in the 1st quarter as Esparza executed a swing pass to Lenny Ibarra for another touchdown, making it 21-0.

Fountain Valley’s defense came alive in the 2nd quarter when AC Trang intercepted Esparza. This gave the Barons a glimmer of hope.

Fountain Valley eventually got on the scoreboard with a field goal from Nolan Olivares, closing the gap to 21-3.

Just before halftime, Los Alamitos’ Isaiah Rubin electrified the crowd with a reverse pitch kickoff return touchdown, sending his team into the break with a commanding 28-3 lead.

In the second half, Los Alamitos continued to dominate, adding 21 more points to their lead. The highlight was a long catch and run by Oklahoma Commit Davon Mitchell.

Fountain Valley’s Noa Banua managed to find the end zone in the final seconds, but it wasn’t enough. The Griffins emerged victorious in this league opener on the road in a 49-10 victory.

Looking ahead, Los Alamitos will host the Newport Harbor Sailors at Westminster High School next Friday night at 7 pm. Meanwhile, Fountain Valley aims to bounce back as they hit the road to Davidson Field to face the Corona Del Mar Sea Kings, also at 7 pm next Friday night.