Huskies Earn Second Straight Postseason Bowl Bid, Drop to Rustlers 32-14

by Cerwin D Haynes

The 2022 season saw East LA College football navigate one of the toughest schedules in the state. Thanks to the strength of said schedule and the quality of the opponents the Huskies have beaten, ELAC was rewarded with a second-straight bowl appearance: the Patriotic Bowl in Huntington Beach versus the host Golden West College Rustlers.

Offensively, the Huskies had an uphill battle to tow. Injuries to quarterbacks Terrance Gipson and Frank Alvarez forced DL Quincy Ivory into starting under center for the Green for the first time all season. The adjustment was tough as ELAC tried valiantly, but ultimately could not keep pace with the Rustlers (9-2) as the Huskies (5-6) fell to GWC 32-14.

The Huskies only trailed 14-7 going into the half. But the third quarter began to doom the Pack right from the begining: With GQC kicking off to start the period, Rene Zaldivar fumbled the kickoff catch at the Huskies' 6-yd line and the ball skirted backwards into the ELAC end zone. Kalani Washington ultimately fell on the ball and fell out of bounds, and the Rustlers earned a safety to go up nine, 16-7. Getting the ball on the free kick, Golden West started their offensive series on their 45, but East forced a 3-and-out on defense.

The Huskies would set up shop on their 20, but only earned nine and a half yards as Ivory was stopped on a 3rd-and-inches QB keeper. On the punt attempt by DL Daniel Barrales, his kick was blocked by GWC's Elisha Martin, smacked backwards 19 yards to the ELAC 11 where the Rustlers would take over on offense. On 2nd-and-9 from the 10, GWC QB Ui Ale found  complete to WR Robbie Sauvao in the end zone for a 10-yd completed pass and the touchdown (extra point missed). Golden West would add a field goal later in the quarter for 11 straight points and a 25-7 lead.

HUSKY BITS

• The Huskies pass defense, which has been excellent all season, only allowed 134 yards in the air on 17-32 completed passes. Unfortunately, Golden West was able to churn out 200 yards on the ground, led by Patriotic Bowl MVP Ja'Sean Pete (15 rushes for 112 yds, 2 TDs).
• Ivory did see some limited time back at DL. He notched a 9-yd sack, bringing his season total to 8.5.