The Gustine Reds football squad closed out their regular season on Nov. 1 with a close game against the Delhi Hawks, ending in a loss for the Reds 24-21.
Gustine had the lead going into halftime, but a productive fourth quarter gave the win to the Hawks.
Gustine opted to receive the ball first but turned it back over to Delhi on downs. With nine minutes to go in the first quarter, Delhi found their way into the endzone on a rushing play and scored the point after, taking a 7-0 lead.
Gustine’s Alex Quezada answered with their own passing touchdown and point after, tying the score at 7-7 with about three minutes to go in the first quarter.
The first quarter ended with both teams failing to capitalize on errors from the other side. Gustine recovered a failed onside kick by Delhi, while Delhi couldn’t score after recovering a Gustine fumble.
In the second quarter both teams came out fired up but Gustine was on top scoring two touchdowns both from Mike Saaranzin ranging from 35 yards each. To end the quarter strong Crue Correa had a big-time sack to send the Reds into halftime leading 21-14.
After halftime, both teams kept their offense and defense strong stopping each other from scoring the whole third quarter.
"We had a player go out in the third quarter so that hurt us a little bit, since we had to put some of the younger guys in,” Coach Collin Lane said.
The fourth quarter was turned into a last-minute fight for the Reds, as the Hawks would go on to score tying the game 21-21 with only six minutes left in the game. The Hawks would end up with another chance to score a touchdown but on the third down #9 Edgar Ramirez would stop them just short of their first down, forcing the Hawks to kick a field goal. The field goal put the score at 24-21 with only two minutes left. The Reds would have a chance to score but came up short of a touchdown with seconds left. Delhi would win 24-21.
"I'm really proud of the team, they played very tough against Delhi which is 8-2 so having a chance to win it at the very last play is awesome" Lane said.
“Going forward we just have to stay healthy and keep the same energy,” Lane said.
The Reds will be hosting their playoff game at 7 p.m. on Nov. 8 against Golden Sierra.
