Chavez Flashes Potential, Falls Short Against Del Oro

The Titans emerging from their tunnel pregame

The Cesar Chavez Titans started the season without a win after a hard-fought 7-0 loss against the Del Oro Suns. 

In what was expected by some to be a shootout, the Titans debut matchup resulted in a defensive-stalemate as both teams struggled to convert their drives into results on the scoreboard. 

“We put in a lot of work this offseason and Friday night just did not go our way. Our defense played amazing and flew around the field all night long. Offensively we are trying to put the pieces back together after losing our offensive play caller two weeks ago. We are working every day to show improvement every week, in hopes to catch our stride and find out exactly who we are by midseason.” said head coach Christian Sanchez. 

The Titans began the day on defense, giving the Del Oro offense trouble early by forcing a three-and-out that ended with a sack from multiple Chavez defenders. 

Chavez’s first offensive drive showed flashes of success, gaining multiple first downs from senior running back Armindev Bhatti and quarterback Fares Babaad. 

Babaad handing the ball off to Bhatti on an option

Despite crossing into Sun territory, the Titan’s drive stalled out and the team was forced to punt. 

This lack of follow-through on offense plagued both teams, as they continued to trade possessions for the remainder of the half. 

Just as the Titans seemed to be driving again towards the end of the half, Babaad threw his first interception of the game. 

Despite the momentum shift, Chavez’s defense held firm again and thwarted an attempted two-minute drill drive from Del Oro, leaving the halftime score at 0-0. 

Del Oro scored the first and only touchdown of the game halfway through the third quarter from a broken 40-yard passing play, taking a 7-0 lead that wound up being the final score. 

Though a late interception in the 4th quarter sparked a rally for the Titans, it was not enough to generate a score as they turned the ball over on downs allowing Del Oro to knee-out the remaining time. 

Jacob Castellanos celebrating an interception

Despite struggling offensively, the Chavez defense led an impressive effort. Defensive backs Jacob Castellanos and Juan Ulloa both had interceptions over the course of the game while also leading the team in solo tackles. 

There is certainly a lot of transition for the Titans under first year head coach Christian Sanchez. This year's Chavez squad is attempting to rebound from a winless 2024 campaign. 

The added pressure of a considerably tough pre-league schedule is also palpable. Having to host Porterville and Monache then travelling to Centennial is a gauntlet within itself for a team still trying to find its identity. 

Babaad turning a corner on a rush play

However, despite the slow start, the team slowed flashes in what it was capable of. Breaking off several notable offensive plays and forcing turnovers and defensive stops when it was necessary. 

The score that was given up by the Titans in itself was a broken play, so their room to improve and play at a higher level is definitely possible in the coming weeks.