Football played Arvin High School on 9/22/17. Wildcats won their first league game 33-30. This game was an important one.

Taft Wildcats ran out onto the field with hundreds of people cheering them on. Jacob Gonzalez lead the team in a speech to get the Wildcats pumped for this game. Arvin and Taft got on the ground and completed 22 push ups in honor of the 22 veterans that die each day from suicide.

The first quarter started with a kick to Arvin. Taft started the game with a big sack against Arvin Bears. Arvin completed a pass in the first quarter and ended up with the first touchdown of the night: 7-0. Taft High player, Thomas Stark encouraged the team after Arvin scored 6 points, “Let’s go, we gotta score, now stay up!”. This really excited the team. Nick Vargas came out with a big tackle on Arvin. After this, number 9, Setefano Maui, scored a 75-yard touchdown for the Wildcats. Unfortunately, we missed the field goal, so the score was 7-6. Both teams came up with some long runs and great plays.Taft had the ball by the Bears’ ten-yard line and Maui scored another touchdown for the Wildcats (7-12). Arvin ended up getting a touchdown,13-12. They missed the field goal, so the Bears didn’t get another point. Later into the game, the ball was recovered by Taft on a fumble by Arvin. Taft had successful passes that lead to more long yardage. First quarter ended 13 to 12.

During the second quarter, Taft came out with a long run that got them to Arvin’s 30-yard line. Arvin came back with some sacks, but Taft gained some long yards. Taft turned over possession on downs, but they came back with a sack against Arvin. Arvin had a punt to Taft and Taft took over at Arvin’s 44-yard line. Maui came up with a 45-yard touchdown, 13-18. Number 6, Jackson Van Roekel, then threw a complete pass for a 2-point conversion. Taft 20, Arvin 13.

Arvin then scored a touchdown and a PAT, 20-20. Arvin kicked off to Taft and took over their 20-yard line. Arvin then took over the ball, but Taft recovered a fumble by Arvin and had the ball at their 42-yard line. Wildcats gained more and more yards. In the very last minute of the quarter Arvin kicked a 35-yard field goal. During this quarter, number 64, Martin Escobedo, was hit in the thigh. The quarter ended with a score of  Arvin 23, Taft 20.

The third quarter and fourth quarter went by fast. Taft and Arvin battled for the win and Taft came out winning. The score ended up being 30-33. The Taft Varsity Wildcats won their first game and celebrated at Sadie’s.

Wildcats were missing a couple of players this game but, even though they didn’t get to play, they were all happy and excited that they won their first home game.