Brahmas fall short of Division title

The Diamond Bar Brahmas suffered a heartbreaking loss at their home championship game against the Laguna Beach Breakers last Saturday, losing 28-36.

The Breakers opened up the game with a field goal early in the first quarter, setting themselves up with a three-point lead. There were multiple turnovers throughout the rest of the period, but no points were scored by either team.

Senior quarterback Ryan Lewis connected to senior wide receiver Maddox Bernardino on a 19-yard reception touchdown for Diamond Bar’s first touchdown of the night. A successful PAT made by senior kicker Alijah Ramos set the Brahmas up with a 7-3 lead. Laguna Beach responded late in the second quarter with a touchdown of their own to give themselves a three-point lead at half. 

The third quarter commenced with an intercepted Diamond Bar pass that resulted in another Laguna Beach touchdown. Laguna Beach continued their streak, immediately recovering a Diamond Bar fumble but was forced to punt the ball away after failing to make a first down. Later in the quarter, Laguna Beach blocked a Diamond Bar punt and returned it for a touchdown. However, a missed PAT set the score at 7-23. Another Diamond Bar interception resulted in a Laguna Beach touchdown. Unfazed, senior running back and linebacker Isaiah Young scored a late two-yard rushing touchdown to give the Brahmas a fighting chance, 14-30.

The final quarter commenced with a long Laguna Beach touchdown but missed PAT, increasing their lead to 14-36. Yet another Diamond Bar interception forced an immediate turnover to Laguna Beach. However, a fumble recovery made by senior lineman Joseph Song eventually resulted in a two-yard rushing touchdown made by Young. A successful PAT made by Ramos brought the score up to 21-36 with the Brahmas still in a point deficit. On the next possession, Lewis connected to Bernardino on a two-yard reception touchdown. As a last-ditch effort, the Brahmas attempted an onside kick, but it was too late. The final score was 28-36. 

The Brahmas ended their historical season with a 12-2 overall record, the most successful season in 22 years.