By Macerio Clark
The Seattle Medium
The Sunnyside Grizzlies took on the Cleveland Eagles at the Rainier Beach Sports Complex in a non-league matchup, as the Eagles began their 2018 season.
The Grizzlies would strike on their second drive of the game, as running back Nate Davila took a handoff from quarterback Derrick Escamilla for a 9-yard touchdown run to put the Grizzlies ahead of the Eagles 7-0 in the first quarter.
Late in the second quarter the Grizzlies marched down the field on a 72-yard scoring drive that was capped off by Escamilla completing a 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Johnathan Sanchez as the Grizzlies extended their lead to 14-0 with the half coming to a close.
After starting off the third quarter with a fumble, the Grizzlies would force the Eagles into a turnover on downs which set up another Grizzlies scoring drive from inside their own 30. On the drive, Davila caught a 33-yard pass to set up a 1st and goal at the Eagles 9 yard line. Two plays later, Escamilla connected with Fabian Chavez for a 9 –yard touchdown pass extending the lead to 21-0.
Having only one drive in the fourth quarter the Grizzlies made it count as they would score on a 4 play, 74 yard drive. The drive was capped off with a 37-yard touchdown pass from Escamilla to put the Grizzlies up 28-0 with one minute remaining in the game.
Despite the shutout, Cleveland head football coach Ronn Jackson is not panicking after losing their season opener against the Grizzlies.
“We got to have short term memory,” said Jackson. “Its good it happened the first game because now we can move forward.”
Cleveland will look to rebound when they take on Chief Sealth on Sept. 21 at Memorial Stadium.
