In an astounding performance against Buena Park on Friday, the Brahmas shook off two hard losses to  defeat the Coyotes 53-19. 

Although both teams were scoreless in the first quarter, the Brahmas exhibited high football IQ with multiple passes into open lanes and defensive stops. The highlight of the game  featured Brahma junior Josiah Hunter running for a 67-yard touchdown in the last quarter.

“Everyone on offense balled out, Dylan [Karanickolas] threw for four passing touchdowns and one rushing TD, Josiah [Hunter] had over 170 rushing yards, and Blake Davis, Chase Wells and Brian Baker all had great games with lots of receptions, yards, and touchdowns,” senior captain Jonathan Song said via Instagram.

The opening drive for the Brahmas hinted at a touchdown with the offense moving the ball onto Buena Park’s 10, but after a series of unsuccessful plays, Diamond Bar turned the ball over on downs. Buena Park replied on the next drive, with multiple runs to enter DB’s red zone as well. A potential 9-yard touchdown for the Coyotes was negated after a pass interference was called on the team.

In the second quarter, DB continued to move the ball forward, with runs moving them into Coyote territory and the red zone. A 32-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Karanickolas to junior Chase Wells finished the drive and a successful PAT put the Brahmas on the scoreboard 7-0 with nine minutes left in the first half.

A successful stop from the Brahmas’ defense forced a punt from Buena Park, and two back-to-back passes from Karanickolas to Wells secured the second touchdown of the game for the Brahmas, extending their lead 14-0. However, high-spirits were short-lived for the team as a blown coverage on the kick return allowed Buena Park to score a 76-yard touchdown. With a minute left in the first half, Karanickolas displayed great athleticism with another completed touchdown pass while running from multiple defenders, ending the first half, 21-7. 

“Defense did a really good job of getting stops and turnovers,” Song said. “This ultimately put the ball back in the hands of the offense.”

This athleticism was shown yet again in the middle of the third quarter, with the senior quarterback running into the endzone after a broken DB offensive line, increasing the Brahmas’ lead, 28-7.

The rest of the game was dictated by the explosive Brahma offense, with multiple touchdowns by Wells and Hunter to end the game in a dominant-fashion, 53-19. DB will look to continue their momentum into their last preseason game against Rowland this Friday.

“Buena Park’s defense struggled to keep up with our fast-paced, no-huddle offense and got noticeably worn down as the game went on,” Song said.