RANCHO CUCAMONGA — Newly minted Etiwanda football head coach Paul Unga was all smiles after his first victory water bath.
The Eagles flew high in Thursday night’s season opener with a 36-13 win over visiting Grand Terrace.
“The water shower was cold, but you know what, it’s my first win as a head coach here back home and I wouldn’t take it any other way,” Unga said.
Thursday’s win marked the Eagles’ third straight season-opening victory and second straight over the Titans.
Unga explained that last season didn’t play a role in their second straight victory over the Titans, but he’s excited the boys got it done.
Etiwanda started off the first quarter by using 6 minutes off the clock for a 1-yard touchdown run by senior quarterback Keegan Campuzano to make it 7-0.
The Eagles’ defense held it down with an interception from Brandon Miller, which set up running back Jaden Lindsay for a 38-yard scoring run.
Campuzano and wide receiver Chad Wakumoto were connecting on all cylinders on the touchdown drive. The chemistry between the two started back in the spring and has carried over to this season.
“I’ve been throwing with him all offseason and met him my sophomore year, and we’ve been working ever since,” Campuzano said.
Wakumoto added how great it is to have a quarterback who isn’t afraid to sling it downfield when needed. Unga named Campuzano his captain this offseason, and he lived up to the billing.
Grand Terrace didn’t back down after their early miscues, as the Titans used a 90-yard pick-six to jump on the board.
“Last year we had a lot of turnovers and right now, I’ve been working on my mindset and keeping my confidence and composure,” Campuzano said after throwing his only interception of the night.
Etiwanda couldn’t get anything going before heading into halftime, but the second half didn’t disappoint for the Eagles’ faithful.
Grand Terrace stormed out of the gate with several first downs, but couldn’t capitalize on the momentum. The Titans had another opportunity to get points on the board, but got snubbed by a blocked field goal.
After the Titans missed a field goal, Etiwanda got spotted at their own end zone, but it was all gas for senior Jaleel Sutton as he scored a 92-yard run to extend the lead to 20-7 lead in the third quarter.
The Eagles added another touchdown to the scoreboard. Campuzano found his other wide receiver, Isiah Trimble, for a 45-yard touchdown to go ahead 27-7.
The Titans didn’t panic, but spent most of the fourth quarter driving down the field for a 1-yard touchdown to run cut the deficit to 27-13.
Etiwanda sealed things when Dominic Mathis burst free for a 36-yard touchdown run, and the defense also answered the call by forcing a safety .
The Eagles have goals and aspirations to make it into the playoffs after a 3-6-1 overall record last season. They will look to extend their record to 2-0 next week at Citrus Valley.
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