Foothill College returned to Loop Road for the final time this regular season, matching up with Yuba in a bid to keep the Owls season perfect.
With an offense led by Sophomore QB Shamir Bey, the Owls have been on a mission so far in 2023, winning 8 straight games and averaging 43.9 points per game. However, the defense has been the star of the show only allowing an average of 7.1 points per game.
After a wonderful Sophomore Day ceremony celebrating the 24 Student-Athletes and their families, we were underway on a beautiful fall day in Los Altos Hills.
Foothill receives the opening kick, and on the first play from scrimmage Shamir Bey’s longball is immediately intercepted by Yuba. Not the start the Owls were looking for here today.
But as has been the theme all season, the Owls defense picks up their counterparts once again, forcing a quick 3 and out.
The ensuing punt is fielded by #3 Izaiah Nakanishi, and he expertly surfs a set of blocks on his way to a massive punt return touchdown. That reignites this crowd that was dampened by the interception.
Another 3 and out for Yuba, leading to a long drive capped off by a #19 Nate Williams rushing TD.
The Yuba offense has yet to click against this commanding Foothill defense, having failed to record a first down in all three of their possessions.
Shamir Bey makes possibly the play of the season so far, somehow escaping from a collapsing pocket and avoiding multiple defenders to roll to his right and fire a 40 yard dot to #17 Dillon Whitfield for the Owls touchdown. Bey is really showing his class here in the home finale.
Foothill kicks off the 2nd quarter with a great drive but can’t capitalize, and Alexander Garcia kicks a field goal to extend the Owls lead.
Unnecessary after-whistle penalties by Foothill gives Yuba an unexpected redzone opportunity that they promptly squander when DB Amarion York picks off the Yuba QB near the goal line.
A highlight reel catch by #6 Jaquwan Brackenridge gets Foothill away from their goal line and kicks off the drive for the Owls, looking to get another score before halftime.
They immediately do just that as #26 Anastacio Prado outpaces the Yuba defense and sneaks up the sideline for a 42 yard rushing TD to give the Owls a commanding 31-0 halftime lead.
Owls kickoff to get us started in this second half, and immediately force a three and out. Looking like this second half will be more of the same.
The second half starts great, as the Owls drive down to the 6 yard line of Yuba but an underthrown fade from Shamir Bey gets picked off and the half starts as the first did, relying on the defense.
Yuba chips away at the Owls lead with a touchdown and 2 point conversion to start the 4th quarter, cutting the deficit to 23.
The Owls are then forced to punt for the first time today, cementing a shift of momentum in visiting Yuba’s favor.
The Foothill defense responds in a big way, forcing a turnover on downs and quelling Yuba’s rally. That’s the final chance for the visitors, as Foothill once again leans on their defense to win, keeping their perfect season alive.
The Owls will look to recover for next week where they’ll make the short trip to rivals De Anza College in their regular season finale. They’ll be looking for another victory to secure their first undefeated regular season since 2019.
