GONZALES — Second half scores by the Pacific Grove Breakers sent the host Gonzales Spartans to a 13-6 home loss at Dick Force Stadium. Gonzales took a 6-0 lead in the second quarter but gave up the lead in the third quarter and allowed the second touchdown late in the contest.
“It was a competitive game until the end,” said Gonzales head coach Arthur Berlanga. “We had our chances and opportunities but it was a new experience for our players to be in that situation where the game is close and any play could change the outcome.”
After a scoreless first quarter the Spartan got on the board with a short pass from quarterback Raul Morales to speedster receiver Damian Acosta that resulted in an 81-yard touchdown. Gonzales led 6-0 after a missed point after attempt.
In the third quarter the Breakers tied the game at 6-6 with a 12-yard pass from quarterback Nate Lominario to Tiago Agustin. A successful by Caelum Kim-Saunders gave the visitors a 7-6 lead.
Pacific Grove continued to lead late in the fourth quarter and stopped the Spartans to force a punt within the ten-yard line. The Spartan punter caught the ball off the snap and unfortunately for Gonzales the Breakers took over at the nine yard line when the punters knee touched the ground. Pacific Grove quarterback Ben Minik called his own number on the first play and gave his team a 13-6 lead on a nine-yard touchdown. A missed PAT gave Gonzales a chance with two minutes to play.
The Gonzales offense was unable to mount a drive in the closing minutes and the Spartans fell to 0-3 in the pre-season and the Breakers improved to 1-2. The Spartans will play the Little Big Game this Friday in King City and hope to come home with the megaphone.
“We have to work on being better on situational stuff and what to do in crucial moments of the game,” said Coach Berlanga. “This week we will make some personnel changes and move players around where they can help us more. This week we move Seth Mays to defensive end and had a really good game making tackles and stopping the run and pass. He also had a good game at running back. Pablo Villasenor also had a good game on the defensive and offensive line. Against King City we want to give ourselves to come home with a win to give us confidence as we start the league season.”
The Gonzales junior varsity were beaten 6-6 by the Breakers.
“Started out very good for us as we were moving the ball,” said Gonzales JV head coach Ruben Alvarado. “We have a very raw line on both sides of the ball and they are getting better. Our skill positions need to learn how to make plays consistently and stay disciplined.”
