Garfield’s Dominant Running Attack Overpowers Golden Valley Football in 35-14 Loss
SANTA CLARITA – In a highly anticipated showdown, Golden Valley football team faced a tough defeat against Garfield on Friday night. Golden Valley came into the game with the hope of continuing their winning streak after securing two consecutive victories, including a thrilling overtime win against Quartz Hill last week. However, their aspirations were dashed as they were overpowered by Garfield’s dominant running attack, resulting in a disappointing 35-14 loss held at Canyon High School.
It was Garfield’s run option offense that proved to be the Grizzlies’ downfall, accounting for all five touchdowns scored by the Bulldogs throughout the game. The Grizzlies were simply unable to stop the relentless running attack led by Garfield’s standout running back, Damian Cornejo. Cornejo set the pace early in the game with two touchdowns in the first quarter, including an impressive 80-yard score. This gave Garfield a 14-7 advantage, a lead that they would hold onto for the rest of the match.
Despite having opportunities, Golden Valley struggled to finish their drives and convert them into points. A pivotal moment came just before halftime when Sean Gomez’s kickoff return gave Golden Valley a promising first-and-goal situation from the 8-yard line. However, in a sequence that mirrored the overall theme of the game, the Grizzlies failed to capitalize on the opportunity. They turned the ball over on downs after a 2-yard run and three incomplete passes, leaving them empty-handed yet again.
Golden Valley coach Dan Kelley acknowledged that his team needs improvement in the red zone, particularly in terms of timing and execution. Kelley stressed the importance of reviewing the game footage to identify areas of improvement and work on them for the upcoming week.
Amidst the disappointing result, Golden Valley did have one standout performer in senior running back/safety Isaiah Orozco. Orozco showcased his skills on offense, contributing both touchdowns for the Grizzlies. Additionally, he made a significant impact on the defensive end, consistently being in the right place at the right time. Coach Kelley praised Orozco’s tenacity and versatility, highlighting his contributions on both sides of the ball.
Looking ahead, Golden Valley (2-2) will shift their focus to their Foothill League opener against Castaic (3-1) next Thursday. Coach Kelley acknowledged the challenge they will face, as Castaic has shown significant improvement. Going into the game, Golden Valley must also consider the health status of their players, particularly senior cornerback Kam’ron Pierre, who was forced to leave the game early due to injury.
With a short week ahead, Coach Kelley emphasized the need for his players to rest, recover, and regroup for the upcoming match. The team will assess the extent of injuries and formulate a game plan to meet the competitiveness of Castaic. Coach Kelley acknowledges that it will be a tough test against a formidable opponent in Foothill League competition.
As Golden Valley looks to bounce back from their defeat, they will draw upon their strengths and learn from their weaknesses, aiming to improve their performance in the upcoming games. It is crucial for the team to stay focused, work on their execution, and make the necessary adjustments for a successful season in the tough Foothill League.
In conclusion, Golden Valley’s football team suffered a 35-14 loss against Garfield, with the Bulldogs’ dominant running attack overpowering the Grizzlies. Despite their efforts, Golden Valley struggled to finish drives and convert opportunities into points. On a positive note, senior standout Isaiah Orozco showcased his talent on both offense and defense. Looking to their next game against Castaic, Golden Valley will need to assess injuries and devise a game plan to counter their opponent’s improvements. The team remains determined to learn from their mistakes and bounce back with a strong performance in the Foothill League competition.
