The Wildcats open league play with Victory.

The Wildcats are now 1- 0 in De Anza league play!

In the first game of the real season the Wildcats got off to a good start with a solid 18 - 10 win over Vista Del Lago of Moreno Valley. The Wildcats scored first with a 58 yard touchdown strike from T.J. Stanford to Michael Usher late in the second quarter. A miscue on the snap from center on the point after left the score at 6 - 0 in favor of the Wildcats at halftime. Early in the third quarter Vista gambled on their own 30 yard line on 4th and inches. The gamble paid off, as they broke down the left sideline for a 70 yard touchdown score. With the point after, the home team had its first lead of the game. On the next possession for the Cats, a special team miscue gave Vista a first down on the Wildcat 25 yard line. The Wildcat defense led by Nick Young, Bernie Ayon, and Ryan Tenney rose to the occasion to prevent another Vista touchdown. A 30 yard field goal made the score 6 - 10. Late in the 3rd quarter, the Cats drove deep into Vista territory. The Wildcats got the score they needed thanks to the quick thinking of senior flanker Bernie Ayon. Stanford complete a quick pass in the flats to Ayon, who would then rumble through several defenders down to the 13 yard line. In the grasp of a Vista player, Ayon pitched the ball to Mike Usher who then completed the incredible 30 yard touchdown play. A failed two point conversion made the score 12 - 10. A tremendous tackle by Nick Young created a fumble deep in Vista territory on the kick off. Stanford then recorded his third touchdown of the game with another 30 yard fade pass to Usher, giving the Cats an 18 -10 lead they would never relinquish. The tough Wildcat defense dominated Vista Del Lago in the 4th quarter. Vista was held to a minus 27 total yards of offense in the quarter. Nick Young led the team in tackles with 17, followed by Bernie Ayon. Jesse Velasquez, Leon Perdue, Ryan Tenney, and Eric Villages anchored a solid defense line performance.

Coaches Comments: We made several improvements tonight, but we have to work harder this week in practice to reach the next level of competition. The defense played well tonight against a very emotionally fired up team. Offensively, we need to improve the running game, and fix a few special team mistakes.