Football season is back on a roll, and with that, Buena High took the first home game by storm last Friday, crushing Canyon 44-30. But of course, success is never free of cost; after a turn of events ending in an injury, the game was called off in the 4th quarter.
However, neither the school nor the players left the stands disappointed. From the guest sponsor, Chick-fil-a, to the three consecutive touchdowns, the bleachers were buzzing with excitement. There was even a brewing friendship between the Chick-fil-a mascot and Buena’s own mascot, Spike.
Another unique touch was the staggering field lights. With every touchdown made by Buena, a light show of blue strobes followed.
“I wanted to like, turn around and scream to the crowd,” first year varsity player Jayden Hodgins said, remarking on the experience.
Throughout the game, Buena stayed on top, starting off strong with a touch down eight and a half minutes into the first quarter. The following play ended in a touchback from Dylan Regazo, leaving Canyon in the dust. The first quarter ended with Buena at seven points and the opposing team at zero.
In the second quarter, the pace started to slow down with a minor collision which left Andrew Silva down. However, Buena wasn’t discouraged. They squandered every play made by Canyon, leaving the opposing team without any more chances to score by the end of the first half, leaving the score at 30-15.
As the balls were set aside for half time, the pom poms came out. The half time show started with a hip hop group whose short segment left a lasting impression on the crowd and then cheer stole the crowd’s hearts afterwards with their four routines performed with younger cheerleaders ranging from kindergarten to 8th grade. Junior cheer captain Mia Valdez explains how the weekend prior, Buena hosted an annual “Mini Bulldog camp” for younger girls, teaching them chants, dances and stunts.
As the stands settled and the players lined back up, the second half started with a kick off from Buena. Canyon was able to get a touchdown, but Buena came back with two more touchdowns to bring them to the winning score of 44-30.
Just when stakes rose, Colton Vargas was injured with five minutes of the game left. Vargas took a hard hit from a Canyon player while he was receiving an on-side kick. After assessing Vargas, the game was called and he was ushered off the field by ambulance.
Even though the details of the injury were unclear in the moment, Varagas is now recovering.
“He was just shocked. He said he didn’t have feeling…He had neck pain so they called the ambulance to not risk anything,” varsity player Milo Hodgins said.
Despite the tense ending, Buena did ultimately secure the final win. “I believe we would’ve won [the game either way],” starting quarterback Ryder Buecy said.
Like most games in such a grueling sport, it had its cuts and bruises, but the sacrifice the players endured only added to Bulldog pride. The courage and spirit Buena exhibited is what pushed them to victory in the first home game of the season.