After 2 tough losses, the Cubs came out to compete and beat the Valencia Vikings 29-14. Despite riding on the bus for over an hour and playing their third consecutive away game, the Cubs came together as a team and played their best game this season. After an unsuccessful first drive by the Cubs, CB Evan Gregory Thomas ‘20 made a critical interception to give the Cubs the ball on their own 4-yard line. On the same drive, RB Harrison Allen ‘22 ran for 56 yards to score a touchdown and the Cubs made a 2 point conversion bringing the score to 8-0 with 6 minutes left in the first quarter. OLB Jeffrey Johnson ‘21 blocked a pass and sacked the quarterback to force the Vikings to punt. With 1:50 seconds left, the Cubs forced a punt and acquired the ball on their 41-yard line. QB Brayden Zermeno ‘21 made a strong pass to WR Peter Vannis ‘22 for a 22-yard gain putting the Cubs on the Vikings’ 19-yard line. Harrison Allen then ran the ball to the 6-yard line, and on a 4th and 2 touchdown attempt, he ran the ball in bringing the score to a total of 15-0.

At the start of the second quarter, the Cubs stopped the Vikings' first drive with the help of DT Mariano Uy ‘20. With 2 minutes left in the 2nd quarter, the Vikings were able to run in a touchdown bringing the score 15-7. The Cubs had one last drive in the 1st half but nothing became of it. The 2nd half started with the Cubs kicking off, but the Vikings’ drive was quickly ended when OLB Jeffrey Johnson ‘21 sacked the quarterback forcing the Vikings to punt. The Cubs then get the ball on their 32-yard line. With QB Brayden Zermeno under pressure from a blitz, he escaped the pocket and ran the ball for a first down. The Cubs were then put in a tough position on 4th down and 6, but WR Peter Vanis ‘22 caught a pass for a first down. With around 3 minutes left in the 3rd quarter, WR Jacoby Kelly ‘22 caught a 19-yard pass for a touchdown thrown by Zermeno, bringing the score 22-7.

The game rolls into the 4th quarter with the Vikings scoring 2 minutes in bringing the score 22-14. After a back and forth of possessions, DE Joshua Long ‘21 made a big sack setting the Vikings back 26 yards to a first down. Then, CB Ceyair Wright ‘21 made an interception putting the Cubs on the Vikings’ 17-yard line, setting up RB Harrison Allen ‘22 to score and sealing the game 29-14 with only 2 minutes remaining. The Cubs were a controlling force throughout the game, limiting the Vikings drive and making the most of their own. Harrison Allen rushed for 163 yards and the defense had 5 sacks and 2 interceptions. The Cubs have shown they are capable of competing, and hopefully, the momentum from this game carries into their game against Vista Murrieta next week.