Big Plays and Solid Defense Not Enough for Bruins

September 12, 2022

Bruins varsity football hosted their second game of the season in a rare Saturday afternoon contest taking on the Lakeview Honkers who were coming off a 3 point loss to North Valley the previous week.

Team defense was key to keeping the Bruins close as #1, Seth Valliere, and sophomore linebacker Clayton Larios #33, combine to make the stop.

The Honkers came out in the first quarter and put together a long offensive drive that would culminate in a turn-over after senior defensive back Seth Valliere, #1, intercepted a Lakeview pass, giving the ball to the Bruin offense with just over 5:00 minutes in the first quarter.

Senior defensive back Seth Valliere #1 making the catch.

The Bruins would fail to capitalize on the turn-over and a Bruin punting error would result in the ball being recovered in the endzone for a Honker touch-back and first score in the game, putting the Honkers up 0-2.

Senior quarterback Kyle Bruger, #14, making the pass, also was effective running the ball.

Junior wide receiver, Kyler Christensen, #2, making the reception, had a big day on both offensive and on defense for the Bruins.

The game would become a defensive battle played mainly between the 20 yard lines as both teams battled in the trenches to keep the other out of the endzone. After putting together a drive with an effective running game pounding the interior line and stretching the Bruin defense wide with sweeps and an occasional pass into the secondary, Lakeview would get into the endzone first on a 19 yard quarterback sweep and take a 0-8 lead into the locker room at the half.

Sophomore linebacker, Michael Varitek, #62 laying out to make the stop.

Junior Camron Hendrix, #10, up high to make the play.

The Bruin offense was inconsistently effective, moving the ball on the ground as well as in the air, however, momentary lapses in concentration would cost the Bruins, as unforced errors and penalties came at crucial moments in the game. Frustration also played a big part as the game continued and the Honkers put more points on the board, and penalties and turn-overs dominated the 3rd period.

Senior linebacker Rafael Cavaus, #79, taking down the quarterback for a sack.

Determination would keep the Bruins close as the Honkers 0-15 lead and interceptions and a fumble recoveries would give the Bruin offense late opportunities, but the Honkers had nothing to lose with a comfortable lead, taking risks to effectively stop late Bruin attacks. Lakeview would add another touchdown and extra point conversion to take the 0-21 win.

Senior running back, Kallen Christensen, #8, avoiding the tackle for extra yards.

Talking with coach Bavaro after the game he told the Compass “I’m proud of how hard the team has played, but the past few years without youth football programs to develop our young talent has exposed our youth and inexperience at times. We see glimpses of positive, and excitement, but our lack of focus at crucial times, has really hurt us ” he continued, “but I believe that as this group gets more field time, focus won’t be a problem, and the wins will follow.”