With three back-to-back touchdowns in the final quarter, the De Anza football team destroyed rival Foothill College Owls 48–17 Saturday, Nov. 16.
“I feel good. It has been a while since we won, so it is great to finish on a win,” said De Anza wide receiver Bryan Fobbs, who contributed two touchdowns to the victory.
Both teams came into the match-up on a six-game losing streak, with De Anza standing at 3-6, Foothill 2-7.
On a sunny, windy day with temperatures in the 60s, approximately 400 spectators witnessed saw the sophomore players come out on the field through a tunnel of freshmen, each player announced as he ran onto the field.
The first quarter started well for De Anza, when freshman tight end Bryan Eglesia caught a 2-yard pass for the first touchdown of the game (point after touchdown was no good) leaving the score at 6-0.
The Owls counter-attacked, but were only able to set up kicker Mario Gomes for a 35-yard field goal, which completed the first quarter 6-3.
The second quarter was marked by fumbles on both sides. De Anza sophomore linebacker Epie Sona was the first to recover the fumble, running 63 yards for a Sophomore Shaquille Gilbert (5) takes a shot after breaking away from a Foothill player Friday, Nov. 13. return touchdown. Freshman Shawn Henner’s kick was good, giving the Dons a 13-3 lead.
With impressive runs by Owls running back Samuela Fanua, Foothill managed to score an 18-yard run and caught up 13- 10 when Gomes made the extra point.
Quarterback Jack Singler and Fobbs wrapped the first half up when connecting for backto- back 34-yard and 5-yard touchdown passes, followed by successful extra points, for a 27- 10 halftime lead.
“We were ready, played great. We executed on offense and played great on defense,” Singler said after the game.
The second half started slower. It was Foothill receiver Trae Owens who brought the first points of the half by catching the ball for a 43-yard touchdown pass. Gomes’ kick was good, bringing the score to 27-17.
The Dons kept dominating the last quarter, forcing several fumbles which they recovered successfully. Three more touchdowns scored by Alfonzo Bristor, Tyler Lucas and Alex Kamara finalized the game with all extra points made by Henner.
Head coach Dan Atencio described the last win as a group effort.
“For once, they didn’t make the big mistakes,” Atencio said. “They executed, and played as a team.”
