The Veterans Memorial Patriots put on a dominant display at the SAISD Sports Complex on Thursday night, moving to a 1-1 record on the season with a decisive 51-20 victory over the Burbank Bulldogs. Playing with high energy from the opening whistle, the Patriots controlled the game's tempo and delivered a series of electrifying plays that kept the Bulldogs on their heels.
The offense got off to a quick start in the first quarter with a 6-yard touchdown run by Trecorrus Jordan. Ben Fink added the extra point, and while the Bulldogs responded with a touchdown of their own, it was the special teams that truly stole the show. AJ Grissom ignited the sideline with an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, a play that seemed to set the tone for the rest of the night.
The second quarter was an offensive masterclass. Quarterback Evan Cantu connected with AJ Grissom on a deep 73-yard pass for a touchdown. Not long after, Cantu found another target, David Jones-Hadnott, for a 25-yard touchdown strike. Trecorrus Jordan capped off a solid drive with a 2-yard touchdown run, his second of the night. The half concluded with a monumental moment as kicker Ben Fink booted a new school-record 44-yard field goal, sending the team into the locker room with a commanding 37-6 lead.
The second half began with the Bulldogs fighting back, managing to score a touchdown early in the third quarter. However, any momentum they hoped to gain was quickly snuffed out by AJ Grissom, who once again took a kickoff to the house, this time for a staggering 100-yard touchdown return. The Bulldogs added another touchdown late in the quarter, but the Patriots' lead remained insurmountable.
Erick Pacheco put the final points on the board for the Patriots in the fourth quarter with an 11-yard touchdown run, securing the 51-20 victory. The team's collective effort on both offense and special teams was the story of the night, with standout performances from Trecorrus Jordan, Erick Pacheco, quarterback Evan Cantu, and the explosive AJ Grissom. The Patriots' victory sets a strong foundation for the rest of the season as they look to build on their impressive victory.