The night started with the recognition of the Homecoming Royal Court as the names were announced of boys of all classes that were selected to run for King and Prince. The gentlemen were escorted by their mothers and high school mentors and they presented their mothers a beautiful rose. Homecoming queen and princesses were announced at half time.
The excitement was in the air as the crowd cheered loud for the Homecoming Royal Court. The band came in and the football players ran into the field to let the Santiago Sharks know of their presence before the game began.
It was not long before the Santiago Sharks came out hot when the game started as they fired to all their receivers ending the drive with a passing touchdown to Aiden Koeniq #4 scoring first taking the lead 7-0.
Grand Terrace on defense forced a fumble on a bad handoff and Joshua Franco #52 picked it up to set up GT on Santiago’s side of the field. Grand Terrace Titans were not able to get a first down and were forced to punt the ball on their second drive.
Santiago Sharks after a bunch of Penalties on offense, GT’s own Joshua Franco #52 delivered a big hit and sack to the QB on two straight plays forcing a punt.
Next, Grand Terrace made a drive using the player they did not have the first two games, Mekhi Lewis #12 passing the rock to his receivers. Being in the RedZone, Mekhi Lewis #12 took a shot to the end zone to his favorite target, Lonzel Bradford #13 but it went over him and got intercepted by the cornerback Jordan Roney #24 forcing GT’s first turnover of the game.
Titans stepped away at halftime to regroup and go over their game plan.
Homecoming Royal Court commenced as the winners for Queen and Princesses were announced for each class. Lauren Barajas for Freshman Princess, Madison Osretkar for Sophomore Princess, Samantha Garcia for Junior Princess, Johnnie Holmes for Senior Princess, and Evelyn Martinez for Queen. Congratulations to all.
Grand Terrace Titans came out of halftime down 6-0 by quickly starting up the run game using Malachi Compton #2 getting the first down on 3 straight plays, got beautiful blocks from his O-line. Finishing the drive with a 3-yard rush up the middle for the touchdown. GT gained their first lead of the game 7-6.
Santiago Sharks next possession started with a 71-yard touchdown run by Calin Marshall #20 after a good kickoff return extending the lead 12-7 after a failed 2-point conversion.
Grand Terrace Titans looking to score after another great drive using the running combo Malachi Compton #2 and Rohan Preston #20, got 5 straight first downs on run plays but were stopped at the 25-yard line with 4th and 22. Titans went for a field goal but were short and returned by Santiago for a short run back.
Grand Terrace started a drive with 3 minutes left in the 3rd quarter getting a couple first downs with the passing game. Malachi Compton #2 ran the ball once again gaining the first down then getting hit and fumbling the rock, Santiago falling on the ball.
Next possession for the Santiago Sharks quickly ended after a bad snap and David Gusta #60 drove on top of the ball to recover it.
GT started inside the RedZone then after a first down run by Malachi Compton #2 setting up first and goal on the 4-yard line, Malachi Morrison scored on a 6-yard touchdown run. The score now 14-12.
Sharks started with the ball in the 4th quarter on the 35-yard line. Calin Marshall #20 led the offense down with his running game capping the drive off with a 17-yard run for his second touchdown of the half.
After Grand Terrace failed on a 4th down play in the RedZone, they gave Santiago the ball back with time to secure the game with a touchdown. Santiago gained a first down run by Calin Marshall #20 as he ran inside before busting it outside and took off down the sideline outrunning the whole GT defense for the 60-yard rushing touchdown securing the lead 27-14 with 3:35 minutes to go. Calin Marshall #20 had an amazing game for his team rushing for 244-yards and 3 touchdowns on just 21 carries.
Santiago Sharks ran the ball getting a couple first downs leading them to knee the ball with a minute left to play to secure Santiago’s first win of the season 27-14 over Grand Terrace.
Santiago Sharks go on the road this week to face off against Chaparral High school. Grand Terrace Titans become (0-4) and will try to pick up the pieces and regroup on this bye week getting ready for Citrus Valley in week 6.
Congratulations also to the gentlemen of Homecoming Royal Court that were selected at the dance this past Saturday. Christian Valenzuela for Freshman Prince, Tanner Donovan for Sophomore Prince, Brandon Ramirez for Junior Prince, Austin Roberts for Senior Prince, and Garrett Ostrinski for King.