This was an odd weekend. One of the teams was in playoffs (Gremlins); one of the teams is still undefeated and starts playoffs this coming weekend (Midgets); the other tackle teams are participated in “Friendship Bowls” which are games in lieu of playoffs. Games were played all over the San Gabriel Valley on both days. No two teams played in the same place.

JR. GREMLIN FLAG

La Cañada Gladiators v. Montebello Indians

(Teams do not keep score)

No report received.

GREMLINS – Playoff Game

La Cañada 12, West Covina Bruins 13

Report submitted by Paul Lopez

On Saturday morning at Cortez Field in West Covina the Gladiators took on the undefeated Bruins in the first round of post-season playoffs. The Bruins were this year’s top seed in the playoffs having scored more than 200 offensive points backed by a defense that had not allowed a single touchdown during the entire regular season. The Bruins had their hands full the entire game, but a fourth quarter rally and a key conversion allowed them to squeak out a 13-12 victory over the Gladiators.

In the first quarter, both teams were tentative and attempted without success to establish a running game. On defense, Gladiator linebacker Christopher Marfisi had a key sack that forced an early punt by the Bruins. Joe Kazarian and Daylon Beasley were also all over the field, making several key stops including a great open field tackle to hold the Bruins on fourth down. Defensive ends and linebackers, Dexter Matthews, Jake Fitzgerald and Marcus Martin were also involved in several plays. The Bruins managed to draw first blood with a 40-yard touchdown pass late in the quarter to go up 6-0. The ensuing kickoff went out of bounds, giving the Gladiators great field position.

The Gladiators changed things up in the second quarter and began utilizing their wildcat offense. Running backs Daylon Beasley, Chase Center and Colby Rees began moving the ball down field. Behind their offensive line, the Gladiators marched downfield. Center capped the drive, barreling his way for a 4-yard touchdown run behind the key blocks of Efrem Rivera and center Adam Griffin. This tied the game at 6-6 going into halftime.

The third quarter opened the Bruins kicking to Center who followed his blocks, including a devastating block by Kazarian, cut to the left and raced 72 yards for the score.  The Gladiators failed to convert, but were up 12-6.

The Bruins took the ensuing kickoff and moved to the Gladiator 41-yard line, but Marfisi, Powe threw the Bruin runners for losses on two consecutive plays. The defensive line for the Gladiators led by Jonah Cisneros, Kane Austen, Dylan Luper, CJ Corlett, Lucas Ponce, and Marfisi made the Bruins earn every yard they got. Defensive ends and outside linebackers Caden Owen, Chase Center, Jake Fitzgerald, Marcus Martin and Brandon Shepherd controlled the outside running game.

On third down the Gladiator rush forced an errant pass by the Bruin quarterback and the ball was intercepted by Brandon Shepard who returned the ball to the Bruin 34-yard line. The Bruin defense stiffened however, and the Gladiators turned the ball over on downs. Late in the third quarter, the Gladiators punted from deep in their territory and the Bruins returned to the Gladiator 9-yard line. On the next play, a hard hit by Marfisi forced a fumble that was recovered by Center. At the end of the third quarter, the Gladiators were up 12-6.

In the final period, the Bruin offense came to life. The Bruins scored on a long run and converted the extra point to take a 13-12 lead. Quarterback Lucas Lenhoff led the offense down the field. Center had another great run of 33 yards to the Bruin 34 behind the blocking of Kazarian, Charlie Stewart, Marfisi, Rivera, Griffin, C.J. Corlett, Dylan Luper, Lucas Ponce, and Watson. On 4th down and 13 yards to go with only two minutes left in the game, Lenhoff threaded the needle, completing a pass to Marcus Powe.  Unfortunately Powe was stopped six inches short of the first down marker.

The La Cañada Gremlin Gladiators had a remarkable season. With a number of first year players, this young Gremlin team left a lasting mark on every team they played.  The coaches, parents and fans gave their boys a standing ovation as the Gremlins left with their heads held high and a fantastic 6-2 record. These Gremlin beasts finished their season with new friendships and the knowledge that they will be back next season ready to dominate! Good job boys, we’re all proud of you!

JUNIOR PEE WEE

La Cañada 1, Duarte 0 [Duarte forfeited the game]

No report received.

PEE WEE

La Cañada 14, Whittier Redskins 20

Reported by Ken Putnam

In the end of the season “Friendship Bowl Game” for the Pee Wee level of youth football, the La Cañada Gladiators fell to the Whittier Redskins at St. Paul High School on Sunday 20-14 in a closely fought contest.

La Cañada scored first and last in the game with Whittier scoring three touchdowns in between. La Cañada played tough throughout the contest, but could not score on a critical drive against Whittier when inside the Whittier five-yard line of the red zone.

The Pee Wee Gladiator team included Grey Dulcich, Jacob Buntich, Evan Estrada, Elijah Washington, Kai Aguila, Marcelino Martinez, Will Stewart, Clayton Esparza, Diego Apolito, Chris Simonian, Daron Derderian, Manuel Lopez-Torres, Jason Watson, Ashton Baron, Anthony Alvarado, Ian Goodstein, Derek Albanese, Ryan Beegle, Aaron Wilson, Colman Trulik and Chris Wood.

Lending sideline support were Mitchell Espinosa, Tyler Shakibai, Carson Okland and Justin Morris.

The entire team would like to thank its parents, families, coaches and A.D.s for their support and leadership throughout the entire 2012 season of youth football in which the Pee Wees won four out of eight games.

JUNIOR MIDGETS

La Cañada 16, Hacienda Heights 6

Report by Kristina Mathews

The Gladiator Jr. Midgets participated in the Friendship Bowl on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Hacienda Heights where they defeated the Cougars 16-6.

At the onset of the game, the defensive line led by Hugo Wallington, Jackson Totleben, Jack Kazarian, Daniel Diaz, Theo Chamberlain, Gavin Chi and Jules Buenabenta were caught off guard by the lightening strike of the Cougar’s 70-yard rushing touchdown, putting the first and only points on the board for the Cougars.

The Gladiators then took over on offense and imposed their will with an impressive 80-yard drive. Aided by an offensive unit consisting of Gavin Campbell, Riley Center, Peter Simmeth, Justin Sabourin, Brandt Lukas, Kazarian, and Totleben, the Gladiators worked in perfect sync, featuring multiple runs by Michael Chan and Tyler Hill. The Cougar defense dug in their heels and slowed the charge, putting the Gladiators in a 4^th and six situation. A quarterback-keeper by Gabriel Mathews gaining seven yards on the run kept the drive alive. The offense then executed a brilliant reverse to Steven Brown for an outstanding 30-yard dash to the one-yard line which led to a touchdown by Hill from the one-yard line. The two-point conversion was brought in by Chan, and gave the Gladiators an 8 to 6 lead by the end of the first quarter.

Throughout the first half, the defense continued their charge led by Brian Erickson, Bobby Gazmarian, Jake Schaffer, Kyle Ramirez, Hugo Wallington, Brown, Hill, Chan and Mathews. First half defensive highlights included an interception by Mathews, and tackles by Brandt Lukas, Hill, Chi, Diaz, Totleben and Kazarian.

Another Gladiator possession in the first half was highlighted by a quarterback-keeper by Erickson, and a quick strike pass from Erickson to Gazmarian to complete a 50 yard touchdown, firing up the Gladiator fans. The score at halftime was Gladiators 16 to Cougars 6.

The Cougars began the third quarter with an onside kick, recovered possession and launched their offensive front. The Gladiators shut down and frustrated the Cougar offense with defensive plays that included an interception by Gazmarian, and tackles by Drake Barron and Wallington, and a fumble recovery by Mathews.

Ultimately the final score was Gladiators 16 to Cougars 6.

The Gladiators celebrated their victory with roses to their dedicated Cheer Squad and many thanks to their parents who supported them throughout the year. The Gladiators Jr. Midgets ended their winning season with a 4-3-1 record.

MIDGET

La Canada 40 Huntington Park 6

(Reported by Ken Putnam)

On Saturday afternoon at El Monte High School, the Gladiators defeated the Huntington Park Spartans 40-0 victory, improving their regular season record to 8-0.  So far this season the Gladiator offense has scored 358 points while the defense has allowed only 6 points.

Led by Drake Beasley’s four touchdowns (3 running and 1 by passing to Angel Salazar), the Gladiator’s offense was 363 yards on the ground and 10 yards by passing. Drake Beasley accounted for 277 yards. Other Gladiators scoring were Jasher Foster with one touchdown and Angel Salazar with two touchdowns, one rushing and a second receiving.  These offensive feats were made possible by the strong line and backfield consisting of Lucas Loera, David Vardanian, Hunter Burnett, Matthew Bazarevitsch, Samuel Martinez, Isaiah Guardado, Steven Isip, Christopher Mata, David Frost, Nigel Jackson, Charles Weinmann, Jesse Blackwell and Anthony Barales. Kicker Matthew Bazarevitsch continued his excellent conversion efforts successfully converting with 4 out of 6 extra points.

The Gladiators defense held the Huntington Park Spartans throughout the entire game with one awesome stand holding Huntington Park at the Gladiator’s 9 yard line and not allowing them to penetrate into red zone. The defense included Maxx Jakeway, Johnnie Padilla and Brandon Cook. Strong defensive action came from Dominic Jones and William Rees with one interception each and a turnover created by Jasher Foster resulting in a fumble recovery by Beasley. Maxx Jakeway also saved the Gladiators with a fumble recovery. The injured players lending sideline support were David de La Cruz and Bryan Esparza.

This fine team now moves on to the semi-finals game next Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at Warren High School in Downey where the Gladiators will face the Hacienda Heights Cougars in the semi-final round of playoffs.