(Fontana, CA) Sept. 1, 2014 Michael Gibson II

Unfinished Business

Two rivals touched the field in an intense showdown to start off Week 0 of the 2014 high school football season on Friday August 29, 2014 at A.B Miller High School located in Fontana, CA. This matchup featured the Etiwanda Eagles vs. Summit Skyhawks and was a rematch of last year that saw the Eagles winning with a score of 27-19 in a comeback victory. This year’s matchup provided a defensive showing of both teams, which ended in a 6-6 tie, due to a power outage, with ten minutes left to go in the contest. Etiwanda had numerous opportunities to put points on the board when they were in the red zone; but failed to convert on 4^th down three separate times in the first half. It appears that Etiwanda coach Brandon Rohrer didn’t trust the kicking game at all during the game as evidenced by electing to go for the two-point conversion following Khaylan Thomas’ 62-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Summit also experienced kicking issues during the game. This was observed as their extra point attempt was blocked following Damian Alloway’s 83 yard-receiving touchdown that kept the game tied. It was a slightly undisciplined game played by both teams regarding the penalty aspect where they combined for 125 yards in penalties in the first half alone. Summit’s offense struggled to gain momentum after their touchdown against the stout Etiwanda defense due partially to their quarterback Keshon Flemings tweaking his knee while on a play scrambling away from a defender. The second half only had four first downs combined between the two teams while the Skyhawks only had three for the entire game.

This was another stellar performance by the Etiwanda defense which has been talked about the entire offseason. Coming into the season, experts discussed Etiwanda being a defensive juggernaut; but its safe to say if the Eagles want to be successful in the highly competitive Baseline League they are going to have to show up on the offensive side of the ball as well. This is especially evident after seeing the Baseline League counterparts Upland High win by a score of 71-0 against Knight; as well as seeing Rancho Cucamonga win by a score of 17-0 against Trabuco Hills; and newly added member Chino Hills win 63-48 against Hart.

Etiwanda hosts Colton at Colony High School September 5, 2014 at 7:00pm while the Summit Skyhawk’s host Redlands East Valley at A.B Miller September 5, 2014 at 7:00pm as well.

Michael Gibson II

Twitter: @MichaelGibsonII