What a game! Baldwin Park and Covina delivered an absolute football thriller, going down to the wire. You won’t believe how this intense matchup ended, with a freshman stepping up to make the play of the night. Think you know how it all unfolded? Find out inside!
In a contest that will undoubtedly be etched into the annals of local high school football history, the Baldwin Park Braves emerged victorious over the Covina Colts in a breathtaking 49-41 shootout on Thursday night. This football thriller delivered an exceptional offensive spectacle, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle, with both teams showcasing remarkable determination and skill.
The decisive moment arrived with less than a minute remaining, as Covina, trailing by a mere eight points, threatened from the Braves’ one-yard line. Amidst mounting tension, Baldwin Park’s defense, led by Francisco Navarro and Gregory Holland, executed a crucial tackle on Covina’s Gatsbee Gumban for a four-yard loss on third down, setting the stage for freshman Shamar Lambert to become the hero.
On the subsequent play, Shamar Lambert demonstrated incredible poise and athleticism, expertly tipping the ball out of a Colts receiver’s hands in the end zone. This game-saving deflection not only prevented a potential Covina touchdown but also cemented the Baldwin Park football team’s narrow, hard-fought victory, igniting jubilant celebrations on the sidelines.
Baldwin Park’s offensive prowess was undeniable throughout the evening, with the Braves scoring on every possession. Their formidable running attack, spearheaded by the dynamic freshman Jacory Coleman, proved particularly difficult for the Covina defense to contain. Coleman, wearing jersey number 12, frequently broke free from defenders, showcasing his speed and agility as he repeatedly found the end zone.
The Braves’ aerial assault also contributed significantly, with quarterback Valentino May orchestrating a potent passing game, often connecting with wide receiver Donovan St. Cyr. This balanced offensive display ensured that Baldwin Park consistently put points on the board, maintaining pressure on their cross-town rivals.
Despite the offensive onslaught from Baldwin Park, the Covina football team displayed immense resilience. Covina quarterback Roy Vasquez, along with key players like Gatsbee Gumban and Kevin Perez, mounted several impressive drives. Matt Olives notably pulled the Colts within a point, 42-41, after a 37-yard touchdown strike with just over five minutes left, underscoring the back-and-forth nature of this thrilling encounter.
Speaking after the game, Baldwin Park head coach Robert Maxie praised his team’s defensive stand and Lambert’s clutch play, stating, “Those guys stepped up and made a good play to win the game. We weren’t going to let Gumban beat us, and Shamar tipped that ball in the end zone.” This victory advances the Braves to a 2-0 record in their non-league schedule, while the Colts now stand at 1-1, both teams having delivered a memorable start to their high school football season.
