The Week 2 game between the La Habra Highlanders and Ayala Bulldogs was as intense as the Southern California heat wave that set the backdrop for the game. With Ayala entering the contest undefeated at 2-0 and La Habra looking to improve on their 1-1 record, both teams faced off under sweltering conditions. As the temperature hovered at a blistering 97 degrees at the 7 p.m. kickoff, the game unfolded with no shortage of drama and high-energy plays.
The Bulldogs won the coin toss and chose to defer, handing the Highlanders the ball to start the game. La Habra’s offense wasted no time asserting themselves, as quarterback Kenneth Saucedo orchestrated a flawless opening drive. Saucedo connected with sophomore wide receiver Blake Rogers for an 18-yard touchdown, putting La Habra on the board with a 7-0 lead just 10:19 into the first quarter.
However, Ayala, undeterred by the early deficit, responded with a strong drive of their own. Bulldogs quarterback Alex Way found junior wide receiver Blake Frausto in the end zone on a 13-yard pass, leveling the score at 7-7 with 6:57 left in the first quarter.
Saucedo showcased his dual-threat abilities later in the quarter. With 16 seconds remaining in the first, he took advantage of a well-executed block by his offensive line, bursting through a gap and sprinting 70 yards to the end zone. This impressive run put La Habra back on top, 14-7.
The Highlanders continued to press their advantage into the second quarter. After starting with excellent field position, they advanced to Ayala’s 10-yard line. Saucedo then connected with wide receiver Parker Bartling in the end zone, extending the Highlanders lead to 21-7 with 11:56 remaining in the half. La Habra’s offense wasn’t done yet, as sophomore running back Kevika Martinez broke free for an 18-yard rushing touchdown. The Highlanders, utilizing a balanced attack, widened the gap to 28-7 with 9:21 left in the second quarter.
Ayala showed resilience midway through the second quarter. Quarterback Alex Way threw a perfectly placed 30-yard pass to junior wide receiver Brenton Smith for a touchdown. However, the Bulldogs momentum was tempered when their PAT attempt failed, leaving them trailing 28-13 with 8:22 left in the first half. The teams would head into halftime with La Habra maintaining their 28-13 lead.
La Habra carried their first-half momentum into the third quarter. Saucedo continued his stellar performance, finding Ulavai Fetuli with a precise 20-yard touchdown pass to extend the Highlanders lead to 35-13 with 4:51 remaining in the third quarter. Ayala managed to come back with a 6-yard touchdown pass, but their two-point conversion attempt fell short, and they trailed 35-19.
The Highlanders sealed their victory in the fourth quarter when sophomore running back Bobby Brooks broke free for a 37-yard touchdown run, pushing La Habra’s lead to 42-19 with 11:21 left in the game. The Bulldogs were unable to mount a comeback, and the Highlanders secured the win with a final score of 42-19.
The win improves La Habra’s record to 2-1, while Ayala falls to 2-1 after suffering their first loss of the season. Ayala’s offense struggled on the ground, managing just 34 yards on 10 carries. However, the passing game saw more success, with quarterback Alex Way completing 24 of 43 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Blake Frausto led the Bulldogs with five catches for 101 yards and a touchdown, while Nolan Reed added seven catches for 99 yards. Brenton Smith contributed five catches for 50 yards and a touchdown, and Dawaun Nettingham also had a receiving touchdown.
Next Friday, Ayala will travel to face the 2-1 Villa Park Spartans, while La Habra returns home to take on the 0-3 Orange Panthers. For more high school football coverage, be sure to follow our updates at Sportscenetv.net.
Photos taken by Anthony Sarinana
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