The562’s coverage of Cabrillo Athletics is sponsored by the Cohn Family.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
The Wilson Bruins outperformed the Cabrillo Jaguars in all facets of the game, dominating 57-7 for their first Moore League win on the field.
“It feels really good to finally get that win, especially as a team coming together for one goal. Wilson hasn’t felt that since last year,” said junior quarterback Ian Bond. Bond totaled three touchdowns, two on the ground and one in the air.
From the opening whistle, Cabrillo struggled to find its rhythm and make the plays they needed to stay in the game.
“The slow starts really hurt us, and once we have those, we can’t get anything going, especially on offense,” Jaguars head coach Shane Gonzales said.
The Bruin offense capitalized quickly with two TD runs by Bond, one for nine yards and the other for 21, going up 14-0 with 6:13 left in the first quarter.
Things would not get better for Cabrillo, as senior Wilson linebacker Zaiamir St. Bernard blocked a Jags punt in the end zone and recovered it for the touchdown. Sophomore running back Jalen Nelson punched in the two pointer, increasing Wilson’ lead 22-0 with 5:04 left in the first.
However, the Jaguars were not going out quietly. Running back Bobo Jackson would start the next drive with some strong runs, then junior quarterback Luis Haro would find a streaking D'Jon Pittman, who made a spectacular high point catch to get the Jaguars down to the Bruins’ 17 yard line.
Unfortunately for the Jags, that momentum would quickly stop, as Cabrillo was stripped on the three yard line and Wilson recovered the fumble.
Despite being pinned near their own goal line, Wilson junior running back Christian Chapman surged for a 44 yard run to relieve the Bruin offense. However, the Cabrillo defense would make a fourth down stop to give their offense an opportunity.
Wilson found the end zone again with 3:10 left in the half, scoring on an easy pitch and catch from Bond to senior wide receiver Shane Heiman.
The Jaguars found an offensive heartbeat, as they drove down the field by Haro’s legs and Wilson penalties. Haro finished the 75-yard drive himself, with a three yard TD run, making the score 29-7 with 1:01 left in the half.
However, the Bruins crushed the Jaguars’ hopes, as Chapman returned the ensuing kick off 95 yards for a touchdown. It was 36-7 Wilson at half.
After scores by senior wide receiver Azaan Tabari and Chapman with an athletic hurdle at the goal line, Wilson led 50-7 at the end of the third. Senior running back Imari Conway would score the final touchdown of the game on a 25-yard run.
“I feel real happy for the guys. We got a good start from Chapman and Ian, and they worked hard to get the win,” said Wilson head coach Scott Meyer.
Wilson faces Long Beach Poly (6-0, 2-0) for “The Big Game” on Oct. 7 at Bruin Stadium at 7 p.m.
“We just got to do everything we can to prepare against Poly,” told Meyer.
Cabrillo has a bye next week. Their next game is against Long Beach Poly on Oct. 14 at Veterans Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m.
