Huskies Scrimmage SAC Dons, Show Flashes on Both Sides of Ball

by Cerwin D Haynes

(photos by Sophia Priebe, IG: @sophiapriebephoto)

East LA College Football, after weeks of clashing amongst themselves in practive and intrasquad scrimmages, finally got to face someone other than themselves tonight.

They welcomed the Dons of Santa Ana College for what amounted to a two-quarter scrimmage, the team getting their last opportunity at game-simulated reps before the real action starts September 2nd.

While nothing was official, the Huskies were able to flash their skills on both sides of the ball. The passing game showed good progress with good throws by the QBs along with shiftiness and speed by Husky pass catchers: three such passes went for TDs. Meanwhile, the defense was able to make a series of good plays in the backfield before allowing a late TD pass at the end of the second quarter.

Sensing the potential big-play ability his team possesses, ELAC head coach Bobby Godinez wants more focus on his guys not getting in their own way with penalties. "I think we gotta be cleaner on both sides," said Godinez. "We're not going to be able to shoot ourselves in the foot after good plays."

It's notable that the Huskies last year gave up nearly 134 yards per game in penalities. They can ill afford to repeat such self-afflicted misfortune: with this past spring's conference realignment, East's schedule this season will be a relentless gauntlet. They will face traditional powers such as Fullerton, Mt. SAC, and Cerritos - a team that is sure to remember the Huskies upsetting them last season in Norwalk (and ending the Falcons' quest for an undefeated season).

Coach Godinez knows that he'll need leaders in the locker room to keep his guys focused. "I have 15 guys that I told that 'this is their team'," Coach remarked. "So when things go wrong, I can go to them and tell them 'fix it'."

Godinez summized the team's mission between now and September 2 when they'll open the season down at Grossmont. "We just got to get ready... take care of us."