The Diamond Bar football team extended its winning streak to four games after defeating the West Covina Bulldogs, who were the 2012 reigning Hacienda League champions. Despite giving up four interceptions to the Bulldogs, the Brahmas overcame this obstacle by having their defense force five turnovers. After beating West Covina 34-13, DB improved to an overall record of 5-2 and is now tied for first in the league.
“We played a little sluggishly, but we came out on top. The offense was a little shaky, [but] the defense won it for us,” head coach Ryan Maine said. In the previous game, the Brahmas were not able to keep up with the Los Altos Conquerors, losing 31-14.
After giving up six points to the Bulldogs, the Brahmas quickly answered back with a touchdown of their own. Senior running back and co-captain Tyler Brown scored the first points for DB off a 11-yard touchdown run.
The 5’8 standout running back was all over the field during the game and finished with 125 offensive yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and two forced fumbles. He was also named the Overall Player of the game.
“I just try to do whatever I can to help the team,” Brown said.
Throughout the first half, the Brahmas had numerous opportunities to increase their lead. However, DB only scored one more time from a 26 yard touchdown run from senior running back Tyron Kelley. The Brahmas entered halftime with a 14-6 lead over the Bulldogs.
Coming out of halftime strong, the Brahmas’ offense looked like its old form- scoring a touchdown on their first possession. Junior quarterback and co-captain Tyler Peterson connected with junior wide receiver Cordell Broadus, who was wearing the No. 5 jersey in honor of junior defensive back Antonio Hull, for a 18 yard touchdown pass.
“The game was [really] successful. We did what we had to do. We came out and got the W,” Broadus said.
The Brahmas are one of the best passing teams in the league. Peterson, who has shown composure and great leadership skills, is leading the league with 1047 passing yards and nine touchdowns. Broadus, a 6’3 receiver who is considered one of the top Division I prospects in the nation, also leads the league with 36 receptions for 393 yards and six touchdowns.
“Their relationship is good. They have been throwing routes to each other since January. They got a good chemistry between each other,” Maine said.
Later in the third quarter, Brown scored another touchdown on an 11 yard run, increasing the lead to 28-6.
The game was quickly out of reach for the Bulldogs when sophomore running back Brian Lamb scored a 10-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter. After the final whistle, the Brahmas bounced back from a shaky start to defeat the Bulldogs 34-13.
Although WC did not have its star wide receiver Sidney Jones due to injury, the DB’s defense was the key to winning the game, as it forced four fumbles and one interception from the Bulldogs. Junior linebacker Oswaldo De La Torre led the team with two fumble recoveries. Also a crucial part of the game was junior defensive lineman Jason Kim, who recorded a fumble recovery and five tackles.
“We knew the defense had to step up in order for us to dominate the game. We just have to carry on this momentum into the next game,” Kim said.
Senior linebacker Josh Sanchez had a stellar game with eleven tackles and one fumble recovery. Becoming a dominating force on the field, Sanchez leads the state of California in tackles with 89.
The game created a lot of tension and pressure between both teams because of Hull transferring to DB from WC after the 2012 football season. Due to CIF transfer regulations, however, Hull can only play for the Brahmas if they make it to the second round of the CIF playoffs.
