On Aug. 23, BVH’s varsity football team lost their first game against the Eastlake Titans 34-6 in the annually anticipated Boot Game. Although the game ended grimly, motivation was still consistent by the team and student section. The game started with Eastlake driving the ball down the field, reaching close to the end zone. The Titans did not get far, though, as junior and linebacker Aiden Cortes (44) forced a fumble, leading the Barons to gain possession.
“During the first drive of the game [Eastlake] had two explosive runs and they were going to the end of the field. A lot of people thought they were going to score, but we forced a fumble and got the ball back. That was a big tone setter [towards] the beginning of the game, but we did not keep that tone set for the rest of the game,” BVH senior and inside linebacker Damian Nunes (9) said.
Although defense showed strength throughout the first quarter, the Barons struggled offensively. The first quarter ended with a 14-0 score, Eastlake scoring two touchdowns. BVH Head Coach Jay Hernandez explained that the team prepared well leading up to the game, so starting off this way was relatively unexpected.
“Going into the game, I felt we were prepared. We had a good first week of practice and we knew everything they were going to run. Once that game started, it went differently,” Hernandez said.
The Titans forced a false start penalty on the Barons, coming into the second quarter, leading to a yardage gain for Eastlake. Just as the Barons began to advance down the field, senior and quarterback Isayah Luna (4) threw the ball away to avoid getting tackled by the Titans defense. Halfway through the second quarter, aggression formed between the Barons and the Titans, with words being exchang and a fight forming.
“We were a lot more intense because everyone knew what was on the line. The rivalry gets a lot of people wanting to hit harder and play faster,” Nunes said.
With intensity increasing, injuries started to occur. Cortes took a hit and was down on the floor in the middle of the second-quarter, and people got down on one knee, with their fingers crossed and held high. Despite this obstacle, he got up and continued to play. There were numerous injuries that followed during the game on both sides, but nothing significantly impacted either team.
“We had a big case of injuries. We got banged up and were faced with adversity, but we dealt with business. We wanted to end that game and get out of there as safe and healthy as possible,” Hernandez said.
With fifteen seconds left in the second quarter, the Titans scored yet again, leading the scoreboard 27-0 at the end of the first half. Titans cheer performed their halftime show and all players stretched, hydrated, and mentally prepared to go into the next half in a better mindset. Hernandez emphasized reaching smaller, more achievable goals throughout the game rather than focusing on the scoreboard, and this kept spirits high. Senior, running back and outside linebacker Abel Meza (8), explained that keeping motivation throughout the game came naturally to the team.
“We [we were] hot and ready to play. I don’t know how to explain it–it is just football. You hit, you get excited. You run, you get excited,” Meza said.
The third quarter started off with Hernandez yelling “Watch the football!” With nine minutes left in the quarter, Nunes picked up a fumble and scored a 47 yard defensive touchdown. This gave hope as the potential turning point of the game.
“It was exciting hearing the crowd cheer and having my friends come and jump up [in excitement]. It was a change in momentum because we were down and had not scored yet,” Nunes said. “I thought that would be helpful in terms of a comeback and build[ing] morale knowing we at least scored and it was not a shutout.”
The Barons then missed the extra point and shortly after the Titans scored with a successful attempt at the extra point. During one of the last plays in the third quarter, sophomore and wide receiver Nathan Lindquist (14) took the football down the field, resulting in cheers from the crowd and sidelines. The third quarter ended with a score of 34-6 with the Titans still in the lead.
“The defensive touchdown in the third quarter was exciting to see. The kids were still excited that we scored, the crowd was still there, no one walked away and the energy was still there, [despite] the score,” Hernandez said.
The Barons intercepted the ball at Eastlake’s thirteen-yard line in the beginning of the fourth quarter, later losing yards and possession of the ball. Many ups and downs occurred during the final quarter, including impressive catches by the Barons and an interception by the Titans. Even with the good plays, the game ended with a score of 34-6, leaving the Titans to keep the boot.
“I think this year we had one of our best chances of winning. It did not turn out the way we wanted, but it was a lot closer and competitive than the past years,” Nunes said.
This year’s game was a stark contrast when looking at the previous years’ games, according to Nunes. Last year’s game was closer in score, but the two years prior to that were complete blowouts. The Barons staying motivated throughout was an essential factor in their performance.
“We did well stay[ing] positive the whole time. No one was afraid to go up against anyone. Our offense and defense was pretty decent, but [Eastlake] just ended up being the better team,” Meza said.
Hernandez, Nunes, and Meza all reiterated the need for the football team to improve their tackling in the coming weeks. The motivation established and kept during the game was incredibly valuable and has the power to extend to all future games.
“We are going to stay healthy and compete the rest of the nine weeks. We have a really good, young team that is ready to play football,” Hernandez said.
