photo by Ryan Kalka
CAPTION: Senior Robert Perez celebrates the win against Jay, the end of his high school football career, and the best record for Husky football in 15 years.
The Huskies went head to head against the John Jay Mustangs this past Saturday at Gus stadium. It was an emotional win for the Huskies as they finished the season 5-5, their best record since 2001. The final score was 45-21.
From the start, the Husky offense looked a little shaky as Senior Quarterback James Valdez threw an interception their first drive, but the early turnover didn’t impact the defense in a negative way, and they would stop the Jay offense forcing a punt. On the ensuing drive, the Husky offense began to march down the field play after play. It eventually led to a one yard rushing touchdown by Sophomore D’ Qurian Haney giving them the first quarter lead 7-0.
photo by Ryan Kalka
CAPTION: Senior quarterback James Valdez gets ready to launch a deep ball against the Jay secondary.
After the Husky defense forced another punt, it was time for the offense to put up another score. After a 24 yard rush by Haney, the Mustangs forced a fumble on the very next play resulting in a 51 yard fumble return which was followed by a successful two point conversion giving the Mustangs a 8-7 lead. Then on the following Husky drive, Valdez threw an interception which was returned 72 yards for a touchdown extending Jay’s lead 14-8.
“I was disappointed and hoping that someone will catch the guy from scoring but he obviously scored,” said Senior defensive end Joseph Vasquez when asked what his immediate thought was when the play happened.
Just as the first half was coming to a close Senior corner back Cipriano Sierra intercepted the ball and returned it 34 yards for a touchdown tying the game up 14-14.
“It was very uplifting and sort of gave me chills. The play made me and the guys very hyped,” said Senior defensive tackle Corey Williams when asked how he felt about Sierra’s interception return.
The second half was all Huskies as they outscored Jay 31-7. All scores in the second half came from 4 different Huskies. Valdez scored on a six yard touchdown run along with a one yard touchdown run, while Sophomore Adair Nunez kicked a successful 39 yard field goal. Haney rushed 10 yards for a touchdown and Senior middle linebacker Devon Frazier recovered a fumble and returned it 48 yards for a touchdown.
photo by Michael Wilborn
CAPTION: Seniors Jay Cruz and James Valdez congratulate each other after another Husky touchdown.
The Husky defense did exceptionally well as they held the Mustangs to zero offensive points. All of Jay’s scores came from Husky turnovers. The Husky defense was led by senior safety Ethan Ramirez and he was the leading tackler with nine tackles. There were other key defensive players but the defense as a whole shined together.
“I felt phenomenal that they didn’t score on us, but frustrated that they scored on our offense,” said Senior defensive tackle Mauricio Martinez when asked about he and his teams defensive performance.
The Husky football team performed incredible this year as they finished 5-5 resulting in one of their best seasons in over 15 years. Although they didn’t make the playoffs they still had a lot to play for this last game. They played for a non-losing record, coaches, fans, parents/family, but above all, they played for one another. Husky Nation did well supporting the team all season, and the players that will be returning will be working hard during offseason to ensure continued success, and the team is grateful for the support.
CAPTION: The last team to win at least five games was the 2001-2002 football team, pictured above. Warren HS was opened the next year, splitting the team in half and resulting in low numbers and a period of struggles for Husky football. This year’s team matches the 2001 football season record, and the team look to build on this next year, hoping to make playoffs, a feat that hasn’t been done since a deep playoff run in the 2000-2001 football season where the Huskies won district and then lost to Austin Westlake.
“Thank you for all of your support through the big wins and the devastating losses. It’s because of y’all that we pushed ourselves to a winning season,” senior defensive back John Duhon said.