This past Friday night (9/19), the Yorba Linda Mustangs played in a non-conference game against Tustin High School. They faced a talented and skilled team, and unfortunately fell short to the Tillers, losing 7-21. The Mustangs are now at 4-1 in the season and ranked 45th in California. Despite the final score, the team showed determination and had great moments in offense and defense. The student section, decked out in red, white, and blue for the USA theme, brought out nonstop cheers, and kept the team motivated with their school spirit.
The game opened with Tusting kicking off to Yorba Linda. In a series of back and forth, Tustin ended up scoring the first touchdown but was unable to convert the point after touchdown. This left the score 0-6. The rest of the second quarter was a stalemate between the two teams, as the score stayed the same as the first half closed.
As halftime rolled around, the YLHS band and guard, as well as the Dance Company, put on a show for the audience. Starting with the band and guard, they performed a rendition of The Greatest Showman with Conner Hearron (12) conducting the band.
With their part coming to an end, the YLHS Dance Company hit the field with a dance featuring the songs “Milkshake” by Kelis and “Buttons” by The Pussycat Dolls. Evanee Sanchez (11), a member of the team, commented, “We had a former Raiderette, Lilah Haye, choreograph our dance for us. When performing, it feels like it’s just you and the field. It gives you the opportunity to let go and be yourself.”
While the crowd was busy enjoying the halftime act, the Mustangs were in the locker room, figuring out how they could turn the game around. When asked what the conversation entailed, Landon Pearson (10), a defensive end player, said, “The coaches were really motivated and wanted to beat Tustin. Overall, this was a great opportunity to get ready for next week.” As halftime came to a close, that only meant the second half was about to begin.
The third quarter began with Yorba Linda kicking off to the Tillers. Four minutes into the quarter, quarterback Noah Trujillo, #26, passed the ball to wide receiver Troy Roberts, #47, for 47 yards. This put the Mustangs three yards away from the goal line. In the next play, Gavin Smith, #44, was able to rush the ball for the touchdown. Bostyn Wilson, #36, was able to complete the kick for an extra point, leaving the score to be 7-6. Tustin was able to answer back with one minute remaining of the third. Ayden Edwards, #3, was able to complete a pass to Taven Epps, #32, for the touchdown. With another pass from Edwards, Hayden Koo, #0, was able to score the two-point conversion, making the score 7-14 to end the quarter.
In the last quarter, the Tillers finished the game with a final touchdown. With a five-yard rush by Jeremiah Williams, #22, and a PAT completion by Titus Najera, #43, the game finished with a final score of 7-21.
On Yorba Linda’s team, quarterback Noah Trujillo (11) completed three of five passes for 50 yards, with Troy Roberts (11) having 65 receiving yards. The only player to get the Mustangs a touchdown is Gavin Smith (10) during the third quarter. Andrew Maldonado (11) had an impressive total of 10 tackles, keeping the offense on their toes. Unfortunately, the chemistry between the Tustin Tillers resulted in their win this week. Ayden Edwards (10) threw for 217 yards and two touchdowns, while also completing 73.1% of his passes. Additionally, juniors Jeremiah Williams and Taven Epps scored touchdowns for the Tillers. Hayden Koo (10) added 80 receiving yards and scored one touchdown.
Though the loss was not the ideal outcome for this game, their continued grit and resilience will result in a strong comeback in future games. The knowledge that the team gained from this game will only help them as the season progresses. Villa Park is up next, and the Mustangs will be prepared for when October 3rd comes around.
