Brahmas face close loss to Claremont
The Brahmas faced yet another tough loss last Friday. Despite Diamond Bar’s hard fought effect, the Brahmas came up just two points short of victory against the Claremont Wolfpack, 48-47.
Diamond Bar ended its final drive with a 2-yard pass from junior Dylan Karanickolas to senior Kai Smith, but they were unable to convert the extra point to tie the game.
The Brahmas opened the game by giving up the first turnover by an interception at their 30 yard line. This lead to an early touchdown for the Wolfpack. Though the Brahmas were able to recover a fumble during Claremont’s drive, they failed to get a touchdown on their fourth down at Claremont’s 4-yard line. Claremont dominated the first quarter as it ended, 21-0.
In the second quarter, the Brahmas were able to get the offense rolling, scoring touchdowns on sophomore Josiah Hunter’s 14-yard run and Smith’s 5-yard rush. Though Diamond Bar missed the first extra point, it converted for two points on their second touchdown. The half ended with Claremont leading 21-14.
During the third quarter, Diamond Bar failed to score, and also gave up a touchdown on a Claremont interception. Though Diamond Bar’s senior Moises Gamez was able to recover the many fumbles by the Brahmas, the offense wasn’t able to find the endzone.
During the fourth quarter, the Brahmas began their comeback. Five minutes into the quarter, running back senior J.J. Godwin was able to find Kai Smith for a 65-yard touchdown pass, bringing the Brahmas within 14 points of the Wolfpack, 35-21. Then, after a Claremont touchdown, Karanickolas was able to find Hunter in the endzone for a 72-yard touchdown pass, making the score 42-27.
Claremont then added to its lead when its running back ran for a 67-yard touchdown. The Brahmas defense struggled to stop him throughout the game.
The Brahmas got back in the game with a 45-yard interception by senior Sean Martin that he ran back for a TD and a 2-yard rush by Karanickolas. With the final touchdown drive, Karanickolas was able to find Smith in the endzone. But the team came up one extra point short of extending the contest, despite scoring 33 points in the last quarter. The Brahmas was able to score many 2-point conversions but their field goals weren’t consistent.
The season continues Friday when the Brahmas return home to take on Buena Park.
Your donation will support the student journalists of Diamond Bar High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.
