Brahmas recover after a tough loss

After suffering their first loss of the season last week at an away game against Baldwin Park, the Diamond Bar Brahmas bounced back with a blowout victory against the Rowland Raiders during the Homecoming Game on Friday, 49-13.

Kicking off a high-scoring first quarter, sophomore quarterback Quinton Mendoza connected with junior wide receiver Kai Jenkins for a 14-yard touchdown reception, giving the Brahmas an early seven-point lead. However, Diamond Bar’s kickoff unit was unable to defend against Rowland’s return and allowed for a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown. Despite the mistake, Mendoza connected with Jenkins once more for a 31-yard touchdown reception, setting the score at 14-7. Diamond Bar’s dominant opening period continued with a 43-yard rushing touchdown made by senior running back and linebacker Isaiah Young, closing out the first quarter of the game with the Brahmas in the lead, 21-7.

Young opened up the second quarter with another rushing touchdown, this one of 26-yards. Unfazed by their point deficit, the Raiders completed a 60-yard touchdown pass but missed their PAT attempt, setting the score at 28-13. These would be the final points scored by the Raiders for the remainder of the game. The Brahmas ended their dominant drive with a 25-yard reception touchdown to senior wide receiver Milo Medina. Shortly after, Jenkins cut Rowland’s drive short after an interception that resulted in a late 42-yard reception touchdown to Medina for a halftime score of 42-13.

Following the Homecoming Halftime Show, junior wide receiver and free safety Abram Mejia completed a 51-yard reception touchdown to Jenkins for the final points of the game, 49-13. Though there were multiple possession changes during the fourth quarter, no points were scored on either side. 

The Brahmas now have a 6-1 overall record and will have a bye next week. They face the Walnut Mustangs on the road for the annual Branding Iron rivalry game on Oct. 14.