By BRANDON SAGLAM
The Redlands East Valley Wildcats face town rivals Redlands High School Terriers in their annual Smudgepot faceoff. Despite the game being in Dodge Stadium, the Terrier home field, the Wildcats were given home side only making the rival matchup tenser. Wildcats were confident coming off a win against Citrus Valley in the previous game, the same with the Terriers who defeated Carter in their previous game. This would be an intense and fiercely fought game as this rivalry goes back quite some time and is the battle of dominance over Redlands.
Heres a look at the game:
Wildcats surging with confidence as they had won last years Smudgepot. (BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)
Redlands East Valley senior James Alvarez who plays offensive linesman on the team performed the national anthem on an electric guitar. (TATUM MAPES/ Ethic Photo)
It would be another battle of the student sections since both sides were ecstatic and boisterous throughout the game. (BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)
Redlands quarterback sophomore Trent Young searches for a pass as Redlands East Valley’s middle linebacker senior Rocco Biscotti breaks the line in an attempt to sack the quarterback. (BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)
Redlands East Valley would take possession quite early in the first quarter making a quick drive in hopes of setting a precedent early. Redlands East Valley running back junior Brandon Wells would get by the Redlands defensive line to be brought down by safety, sophomore Joshua Ramirez and another teammate. (BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)
Redlands East Valley running back senior Isaiah Holiness carries the ball as the blocker offensive linesman senior James Alvarez moves to protect him from Redlands middle linebacker junior Ryan Seng goes for the tackle. (BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)
Wildcats would strike first as wide receiver junior Isaiah Bradford receives the ball in the end zone. (TATUM MAPES/ Ethic Photo)
On the Redlands return Terrier running back Christian Diaz would hurdle over Redlands East Valley safety senior Brandon Stallone. (BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)
Redlands East Valley would score again later to make it 13-0 as they miss the extra point, but before the end of the first quarter, Redlands would respond making it 13-7. Redlands senior kicker Donavan Navarro scoring the extra point. (BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)
Redlands East Valley head coach Rich Lunsford looking up to the scoreboard in reaction to Redlands scoring. This would be Coach Lunsford’s first Smudgepot since it was his debut year with the Wildcats. (BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)
Redlands wide receiver sophomore Joshua Ramirez attempts to beat his man as the Terriers hike the ball. (BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)
Redlands cornerback fights to strip the ball from Redlands East Valley receiver to no prevail. (BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)
Redlands East Valley would be leading at the half 34-7 as they had the majority of control over the game whilst Redlands would show glimpses attempts to take back the game. (BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)
The second half saw a reinvigorated Redlands offense as they fought for every yard. Redlands wide receiver senior Jakobie James reaches for the end zone as he is brought down by Redlands East Valley’s Anthony Waters Jr. (BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)
Redlands would still meet difficulties as the Wildcats were relentless and the third quarter would end with the Wildcats in the lead 41-20. Redlands East Valley cornerback senior Ebony Williams brings down Redlands receiver wide receiver, senior Deven Woods. (BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)
Being the last league game of the year both sides celebrate the end of the regular season.(BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)
Much like last year, the Smudgepot sees its regular tradition of students acting like “streakers” as they run across the field mid-game. (BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)
Both teams would continue to battle it out to the end as neither side would let up.(BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)
Coach Lunsford would win his first Smudgepot as he leads the Wildcats to another consecutive Smudgepot win. (BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)
Redlands East Valley would win 41-27 making their regular season record 7-3. While this lost gave Redlands their eighth loss, making their record 2-8. This meant Redlands East Valley would be advancing to CIF playoffs while it was the end of the season for the Redlands Terriers.
Categories: Redlands East Valley High School, Sports
