BRAVES UNABLE TO BRING HOMECOMING WIN HOME
- Updated: September 21, 2019
El Cajon Valley on Friday night against Vincent Memorial
2019 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL
VINCENT MEMORIAL 35, EL CAJON VALLEY 6
By Dave Dickens
EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON (9-20-2019) – A new season, new mindset, and team effort in all phases of the El Cajon Valley Braves’ 2019 campaign.
As the Braves marched down the field as a team – from the billowing smoke to the glimmering smiles of the varsity cheer squad – El Cajon Valley was looking to improve its 3-1 record to 4-1.
The Braves had morphed into a true contender this season and were full of energy and complete confidence that they were going to set the tone early. However, this was a tall order for sure as they were facing a No. 1-ranked Division V squad from the desert – the Vincent Memorial Scots.
This would prove to be a tall order.
Vincent Memorial got started immediately, gaining yards in chunks while trying to establish a successful running game, the Scots developed a perfect balance of the pass-run attack.
The Braves defense, which has helped carry the squad thus far, showed great prowess defending the run, in particular, led by DAMARIUS HYDE.
Hyde delivered a sack and thee tackles to lead his bruising brothers of brut.
Joining him in the elite category was none other than DEREK ROBINSON, who also ended the game with pair of tackles and a sack to boot.
El Cajon’s devouring defense kept the team in the contest in the first half, allowing a pair of scores despite a valiant goal-line stand on behalf of the Braves’ defense.
The Scots made their key stops, and on their last effort in the first half, a score was achieved by Vincent Memorial quarterback HERNAN OLIVAS, who delivered a strike on the run to wide receiver MAX DIAZ, to make it 14-0 Scots at the half.
There were plenty of high moments for El Cajon Valley, as it was hosting its Homecoming festivities and announcing the Prince and princesses of each class. The theme of the Homecoming was a Star Wars theme with very creative floats and fireworks to conclude the quite impressive halftime show produced by the student body.
El Cajon hustled out of their locker room like a stampede of horses, eager and ready to defend its home turf in front of a loud and proud crowd of families and friends, a pleasant sight if we may add.
Throughout the third quarter, the Braves were pounding the rock with a few breakout runs featuring the running man himself, Hyde, who had 14 rushes for 23 yards, with quarterback JOE MALONE running 10 times for 34 yards.
Unfortunately for the Braves, although they played all four quarters, the visitors would hang yet another 14 points, putting the game out of reach, leading now 28-0 early in the fourth quarter.
Olivas really was definitely the player of this game. He is not an East County player, however as Coach Osborn stated, “He was very good.”
Olivas finished the contest 10-for-18 for 116 yards and a passing touchdown, along with 10 rushes for 35 yards.
The Braves would not and will not ever allow a score. Hyde would make the final score on a short pass from Malone.
Following the contest, coach Osborn had many kind words about the heart and dedication regarding his team following the loss.
“I have a lot of respect for Vincent Memorial,” Osborn said. “They played tough the whole game. We beat ourselves tonight. We have to play smarter and can’t let the emotions of a tough game get to us. I give it up to Vincent Memorial. They exploited our weaknesses. We have to do a better job on both sides and be ready to play from start-to-finish. I know our guys are resilient.
“I spoke with our leaders, Joe and Mario after the game. We know that we must take ownership, both coaches and players for the mistakes and that going into the bye week, this coming week, that we have to practice and prepare with excellence.”
The Braves will lick their wounds enjoy their bye this week for now.
