- Atwater has won its last three games after losing its first five to start the season.
- The Falcon defense has given up six points over their last eight quarters.
The Atwater Falcons spoiled El Capitan’s homecoming night with a decisive 34-0 victory on Friday, October 23. Atwater entered the game winners of their last two, keeping them atop the CCC standings, while El Capitan entered the game still searching for their first league win.
The Falcons scored in the first quarter with just over four minutes remaining on a 7-yard touchdown run by Hudson Pimentel. After El Capitan’s next drive stalled, the Gauchos punted the ball and downed it at the 1-yard line. From there the Falcons executed their most impressive drive of the night, a 15-play scoring drive that went 99 yards and culminated with a 1-yard touchdown run from Joseph Munoz. Before the half ended, the Falcons got the ball back with just over two minutes remaining. The Falcons needed one play, a 51-yard touchdown pass to Charlie Whitby, to extend their lead to 20-0 as the teams headed into halftime.
The Gauchos received the ball to start the second half. They began the drive at their own 10-yard line. They moved the ball well on their longest drive of the night, gaining four first downs before finally being stopped on 4th and 3 on Atwater’s 17-yard line. As the second half progressed, Atwater’s defense continued to shut down the Gauchos, while the Falcon offense was able to add two rushing touchdowns, a 7-yard run by Brayden Bettis and an 18-yard run by Gabriel Leyva. The final score was 34-0, giving the Atwater defense its first shutout of the season.
Falcons junior middle linebacker Luis Chavez expressed how content he was with the play of the defense after the game, “I think this is the greatest we’ve played. Zero on the board, so they didn’t score at all.” Atwater’s defense held El Capitan to five punts, an interception, and two turnovers on downs.
Chavez also expressed the confidence the Falcons are gaining as they look towards the rest of the season, “We’re coming for it all.” For Atwater, the win was a statement performance that showcased their defensive ability to execute.
For El Capitan, the loss was a disappointing result on their homecoming night. Despite this, the Gauchos will have an opportunity to review the film, make adjustments, and prepare for their next game against Merced High on October 30. The victory for Atwater improved their overall record to 3-5. Atwater will look to build from their defensive success as they travel to Golden Valley High next week.
