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Grand Terrace High School Football TitansFriday Night Football Highlights

By Titan Mom Elvira, Michael Dosey Jr., Christian Valenzuela
Reporters & Photographer
09/14/2022 at 02:24 PM

It was Veteran’s Night at the Grand Terrace High School Titans (3–1) vs Patriot High School Warriors (3–1) game on September 9, 2022. It was an exciting night in which over thirty Veterans were in attendance, and they were honored by the GTHS Football Program for their bravery & time served in the military to protect our country. 

Veterans are celebrated annually on a Football Friday Night game so that they can enjoy a great game, support the Titans, enjoy a good meal, and receive a traditional t-shirt this year the logo read, “Titans Salute to our Veterans” with a red, white, and blue football logo on the front.

The rain did not stop the celebration as the Veterans walked with their family & friends down the corridor of Titan football players, coaches, GTHS school staff, and Titan Pep Squad. Everyone cheered and waved American flags and truly made the Veterans feel welcomed.

In the end, there was this little boy named Sebastian “Santi” that was there with his father, Junior Castañon, a Veteran that served in the Navy, who was very excited and ran down with a lot of enthusiasm and high-fived everyone he could. That moment brought laughter and joy while at the same time it warmed everyone’s hearts.

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, City Councilman Bill Hussey of Grand Terrace was also in attendance, he thanked the Football Program & the community for honoring the Veterans on this special night. He said, “Grand Terrace is truly blessed for the Titans, the high school, and all the parents in this city.” Bill Hussey attends every year and it shows he always enjoys the Veteran’s Night celebration.

Once the celebration was done, it was time for the coin toss, and Referee, James Schmidt used the coin that was used on August 31, 2012, when Grand Terrace High School football had their first game

In the first quarter of the game, Grand Terrace High School Titans lost control of the punt and Patriot High School Warriors recovered the ball. The Warriors took the lead by putting the first 7 points on the scoreboard which made the Titans frustrated. The Titans did not let that ruin the start of their game plan and quickly ran the ball to Exzavior Oliver #30 who scores the first touchdown of the night.

By the second quarter, the Warriors' Defense stopped the Offensive Line and turned it back to GT ball, and Devon Gusta #3 scored a touchdown putting the Titans on a 13 - 7 lead.

The rain was still coming down hard and that did not stop the Titan families, friends, cheerleaders, and the Thunder Zone from supporting and cheering loud. Everyone in the stands was having a great time, singing, dancing, and encouraging the Titans to continue to have their momentum as they were winning the game.  

The Titan Pep Squad is a huge role during Friday Night Football games because they help the crowd show their Titan Spirit. When Alejandra was asked at halftime if it was difficult for the cheerleaders to cheer in the rain, she said, “Yes, it is difficult but they are strong and they have perseverance in the game, cheer in the game, and do the best they can.”

After halftime, the Titans looked ready and willing to execute the game with aggression and shut down the Warriors so that they can lock in the win.

It started off with the Warriors at their own 30-yard line and then on defense they fumbled and Christian Ochoa #53 was there to quickly dive in and recover the ball. The crowd roars with excitement as they see their very own Titans now have a chance to score again.

Titans quarterback Jayson Stewart #5 passed the ball to Exzavior Oliver #30 giving him the opportunity to run a few yards and score another touchdown. The Titans went for the two-point conversion and Jalen Knight #6 runs it through to score and it is now 21 – 7.

Later in the game, the Warriors fumbled the ball again and Kenneth Crews #32 was at the right place, at the right time to grab it and give Titans possession of the ball. Once again, the Titans' crowd goes wild because it is looking good for them.

Overall, it was a great game, Titans win again, and the final score was 35 – 21. It was another victory, another win and so the questions of the night to Coach Jackson were, “How do you feel and what did you say to the Titans in the locker room to get them motivated?” and his response was, “We need to work on our mistakes, we just need to work on it.” He also said, “Let’s stop making mental mistakes, and let’s go out there and win it.”

Titans have a bye week so next game will be away on September 23, 2022, vs JW North (0-4). Hope to see you there supporting our Titans!