The Chabot Gladiators lost in a blowout against the now 5-0 De Anza Mountain Lions 44-10 De
Anza came out the gate scoring on the very first play of the game with a 80 yard kickoff return
touchdown from freshman Chris Butler. From the stands, you could feel the energy shift after
Tariq Ford’s electric 57-yard touchdown run tied it at 7–7. For a moment, it was feeling like
Chabot was ready to fight. But after that, De Anza took control and never let go. Watching Yan
Arias step in at quarterback was bittersweet he’s got heart, but the pressure was relentless. The
offensive line struggled to protect him, and it showed. Two interceptions, including one that got
returned for 20 yards. Arias was sacked, hit, and forced to scramble too often. You could see
the frustration in his body language, and it’s hard not to feel for him. He’s trying to lead a team
that’s now on a three-game skid, and the weight is heavy.
The Mountain Lions looked really comfortable on offense, led by quarterback Ian Kirby, who had
213 passing yards going 21-35 on passing attempts with three touchdowns while having two
interceptions. In addition to that, he rushed for over forty yards. Kirby was really able to move
out of the pocket when swarmed, and he looked really poised.
What stings most is the missed opportunities. Chabot had nearly 36 minutes of possession time,
but couldn’t convert in the red zone not even once. The Glads defense had solid moments
throughout the game, like Trevaughn Bailey’s interception return, but in all the Glads defense
were on the field too long making them tired and easier to score on. The offense couldn’t sustain
drives, and the nine punts tells the story giving punter Jacob Lewis a lot on his plate that night.
This team has talent and Tariq Ford’s 90 rushing yards proves that but the execution isn’t there.
As a fan, you want to believe. You want to see the fight. But after a 44-10 loss, it’s clear
something has to change. The heart is there. The grit is there. Now we need the results. GO
GLADS!!!!!!