The Webb football team hopes to bounce back from their devastating loss on Friday, September 27th, and improve their 3-3 record. 

Webb football hosted Vasquez High School on Friday night in a thriller that saw both teams produce eight touchdowns in total. Webb’s “home game” was played at neighboring Damien High School due to the fact that Faculty Field was unable to provide lights for a night game. 

The Gauls started off strong with a 35-yard kick return from Jake Baiz (‘21) followed by two completed long passes to get to the red zone. However, the Gauls were unable to complete their drive and missed a 33-yard field goal attempt. The first quarter ended scoreless with the Gauls failing to score in the red zone on multiple occasions. 

The second quarter looked promising for Webb after quarterback Ethan Caldecott (‘21) connected with Jake Baiz (‘21) for a touchdown. It looked as if Webb finally got their wheels rolling after they were off to slow start. However, the two-point conversion attempt was no good. Vasquez responded quickly with a touchdown before the half to lead 7-6.  

Gauls failed to stop a 30-yard run from the opposing wide receiver and conceded an early touchdown to Vasquez in the third quarter. However, they bounced back quickly with a 50-yard kick return and touchdown from freshman running back Bryan Oglesby (‘23), who performed outstandingly that night. Oglesby received and rushed for a total of 91 yards, second only to wide receiver Indy Viramontes (‘21). 

Vasquez took advantage of their strong running game to penetrate Webb’s defense and score another two touchdowns that game. Webb’s issues escalated further when starting quarterback Ethan Caldecott (‘21) limped off the field with an injury at the start of the fourth quarter and was replaced by freshman Daniel Serna (‘23). Caldecott returned to the field shortly to throw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Indy Viramontes (‘21), but that was not enough to turn the game around as Webb fell short to Vasquez in a heartbreaking 28-19 loss. 

Freshman kicker Jimmie McCloud (‘23) had an unlucky night with his 33-yard attempt hitting the upright and his PAT(Point-After-Touchdown) attempt narrowly veering off to the side. Chris Haliburton, who was still recovering from an injury put up a show on the defensive end with a total of 22 tackles in the game, higher than any other player on the team. 

Justice Thomas (‘21), a wide receiver, said, “We’ve been looking at the film, looking at what we did wrong. The defense was definitely what we had the most trouble on. We just need to get set more and be ready for what our opponent has to offer next game.”

Webb football will gear up again as they prepare to face Southlands Christian High School at home for this season’s “Thursday Night Lights.” It will be one of the rare night games held at Faculty Field this season.