Photos by Gus Vargas, & game info/stats from Randy Reams
Football:
Ayala’s season came to an end on Thursday night in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 3 playoffs.
But the Bulldogs gave top-seeded Corona del Mar all they had before falling short, 30-23, at Newport Harbor High School.
AHS had a 6-0 lead after one quarter of play, and the game was tied (13-13) at the break.
But CDM did just enough to advance to next week’s quarterfinal round.
AHS quarterback Bryan Wilson gave Ayala that first quarter lead on a 22-yard TD run.
After giving up 13 consecutive points, and late in the second quarter, the Bulldogs lined up for a punt.
AJ Gracia, though, called for a fake punt, and Enrique Ybanez made his coach look good with a 51-yard TD to tie the game at 13-13.
The Sea Kings got a field goal in the third quarter to take a 16-13 lead.
Ayala would reclaim the advantage at 20-16, and CDM would score a pair of fourth-quarter TD’s to distance itself from the Bulldogs.
AHS closed the gap to 30-23 when Nick Lane booted a field goal with 1:32 to play.
Corona del Mar, however, recovered the onside kick and bleed the clock after getting a first down.
Ayala carried the ball 30 times for 179 yards and 2 TD’s.
Bryan Wilson led the way with 48 yards on 10 carries and the score.
Jacob Munoz gained 33 yards on eight carries, and Anthony Hernandez rushed for 23 yards on five carries.
Wilson went 18-of-28 for 214 yards and a TD.
Marquis Monroe had 4 catches for 55 yards and a TD.
Lytallion Payne caught two passes for 49 yards.
Dominic Alloway had four receptions for 33 yards.
Ybanez caught three passes for 26 yards, and Drew Amico had three receptions for 33 yards.
According to reports, Ayala took the loss hard, and several players were in tears after the game.
But it’s not because the Bulldogs players are weak, it’s 100-percent attributed to the fact that they love and believe in each other, as AJ Gracia and his staff have fostered a family-like atmosphere at AHS.
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Box Score:
Ayala: 6-7-0-10-(23)
CDM: 0-13-3-14-(30)
Records: Ayala (8-3); Corona del Mar (8-3)
Editor’s Note: Thanks so much to Gus Vargas for photos, and Randy Reams for game info/stats for all of 2022. I couldn’t have done this without you guys.
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