Western Christian defeats Gladstone High School, 45-27
Posted September 8th, 2008 in Athletics, High School Comments Off
GLENDORA – First-year Western Christian High School football coach Rob Castaneda earned his first win Friday night when the Lancers defeated Gladstone 45-27 in a nonleague season opener.
“This is a huge way to open the season for us,” Castaneda said. “For a school that only has 450 kids in the school, this is a great win for our team and our small community.”
Western Christian wasted no time, scoring on a 47-yard touchdown pass from Alex Beaton to Reed Covington. It was a lead the Lancers never relinquished.
“He is only a junior and has the ability to make some big plays,” Castaneda said. “This season he will show that he is one of the top quarterbacks in the Valley.”
Beaton finished 7 of 14 for 79 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 50 yards and a TD on three carries.
Western Christian’s George Perez had an impressive performance. The senior scored on an 82-yard kickoff return and caught a 9-yard pass from Beaton, giving the Lancers a 45-27 lead. Perez also took several snaps at quarterback, turning in some big plays.
“Were in a great situation having two quarterbacks that can both play on a high level,” Castaneda said. “There’s no way that we can only play one at the quarterback position.”
Western Christian also got several key plays from its special teams. Reed Covington had a 54-yard punt return and Zach Watkins kicked a 32-yard field goal.
“We have been practicing special teams all summer,”Castaneda said. “I’m just so proud of the way these boys played on the field tonight.”
Gladstone staged one final comeback attempt when, after an on-side kick, Herrera caught a 4-yard pass from Paul Flores to cut the led to 38-27 with 4:20 remaining. But the Lancers’ Covington intercepted Flores for the second time to end any hopes of a Gladiators comeback.
“We still need to work hard on some things,” Castaneda said.
