Arcadia High School’s (AHS) Boys Varsity Football team’s second home game of the season was against La Puente High School (LPHS). AHS was defeated by LPHS with an ending score of 6-31. The game was held at Salter Stadium on Sept. 12.
During the first quarter, the game’s pace was slow with turnovers by both teams. The teams were unable to move the ball effectively up and down the field.
At the start of the second quarter, number 4, senior Tyler Rangsuebsin caught the ball at the 40 yard line making moves for AHS down the field.
The first touchdown was made by LPHS during the second quarter when AHS failed to make a field goal resulting in a turnover on downs. From their starting point, La Puente was able to capitalize on the lost points for AHS and drove the ball down the field.
For AHS, the next two possessions resulted in two punts, giving LPHS the ball. Taking advantage of Arcadia’s miscues, LPHS scored another touchdown bringing the score to 0-13. There were many good attempted catches by Rangsuebsin but unfortunately, due to over-throws by AHS, the ball was turned over to LPHS. On LPHS’ third down, AHS played good defense. But with only 18 seconds to go until halftime, LPHS scored yet another touchdown leaving the score at 0-25.
The third quarter began with a kickoff from AHS to LPHS. La Puente ran almost 30 yards with the ball, heading into Arcadia’s territory. Even after several unsuccessful plays by La Puente, LPHS still managed to get a touchdown during their 3rd try.
LPHS’ Coach Erick Morales owed their win to the fact that their “defense was doing well [and that] they clicked at the right time” even though “offensively [they] had a little bit of miscues, [and] had a little hiccups.” There were “a couple bad snaps, a couple turnovers that [they] had to deal with,” but he’s hopeful that they’ll “figure it out going into leagues.”
During the kickoff to AHS, running back sophomore Michael Huang caught the ball and ran it to the 36 yard line. Unfortunately, he fumbled the ball and had to hand it over to LPHS. After several back-and-forths, Arcadia advanced into La Puente territory. Taking a risk, AHS decided to go for it on 4th down, with junior Aiden Reyes making an amazing catch then running it all the way for a touchdown. With the first touchdown for the Apaches, excitement and morale was boosted for the players.
The next play after that, LPHS’ ball was deflected by Arcadia but that just wasn’t enough to prevent La Puente from scoring their 5th and final touchdown.
After several attempts at a touchdown from both teams, the game ended in LPHS’ favor.
When asked about AHS’ overthrows, AHS Coach Eric Elias said they just have to improve on “attitude and effort at practice…and especially on Friday nights.”
He believes that they “have a great team potential, but [have] not reached that at all this season.”
Only several games in, they still have a lot of time to improve their plays and strategies especially for the upcoming playoff season.
Overall, the score ended in favor of LPHS with a score of 6-31. La Puente had a strong offense, but had several turnovers throughout the game. AHS suffered several defensive losses, but had many solid passes. With many more matches to come, both teams will continue to practice and refine their game.
