Chelsea High School’s football team demonstrated strong performance throughout most of their contest against Whittier Tech on Friday evening. However, three critical lapses in execution led directly to all three Whittier touchdowns, resulting in a 20-7 loss for the Red Devils. The visiting Techmen showed their offensive prowess from the opening play from scrimmage when a Tech back found the line blocked but broke around right end for a 70 yard touchdown. Shortly thereafter, following an unsuccessful Chelsea field goal attempt that came after a solid Red Devil advance deep into Whittier territory, a Whittier ballcarrier broke loose for a 73 yard TD run. “We dug ourselves a hole right away with a 14-0 deficit in the first quarter,” said CHS head coach Mike Stellato. The Chelsea defense subsequently tightened up and remained solid for the remainder of the game. The Red Devil offense responded by executing a 55 yard drive midway through the second quarter, culminating in a 30 yard TD pass from Jordan Virella to Troy Crossley that narrowed the deficit to 14-7 following Juan Martinez’s successful PAT. Chelsea’s offense continued moving the ball after halftime but failed to reach the endzone during the third quarter. The CHS defense maintained its strength, keeping the Devils competitive. Yet the Halloween spirits delivered one final blow to the Red Devils. After Chelsea’s offense punted from the CHS 30, a bad snap sailed into the endzone where a Whittier player recovered it for the decisive touchdown. “We had our opportunities on offense, but could not capitalize on them,” said Stellato. “But our defense played very well after those initial mistakes in the first quarter.” Juan Martinez paced the Red Devils in rushing with 95 yards on 17 carries. Stellato praised the performance of offensive linemen Andy Rath and George Ticas and offensive end Rony Gomez. On defense, the coach highlighted linebackers JoJo Saez and Raul Flores. Stellato’s team will host No. Shore Tech Friday evening under the lights at the Stadium for their final home game of the season. “This is a big game for us because it is a conference game,” said Stellato, noting his Red Devils are 2-0 in the CAC Small while No. Shore is 1-0. Game time is 7:00.
Red Devils fall to Whittier, 20-7 – CHS gridsters host No. Shore Tech Friday evening
