L.A. Washington Can’t Put Off the Inevitable Los Alamitos Victory

Los Angeles Washington, facing the unenviable task of playing the top-ranked team in the nation, walked on to the Veterans Stadium turf 15 minutes late Thursday night.

The game began 33 minutes after its scheduled 7 p.m. start.

But not even a late arrival could put off the inevitable, as top-ranked Los Alamitos scored a 42-6 victory in front of 2,500.

Washington’s tardiness was because no one arranged for a bus.

Despite the confusion, Washington was a spirited foe, and forced Kevin Feterik (13 for 22, 256 yards) to fumble on the game’s first play. Despite taking over at the Los Alamitos 26-yard line, the Generals were unable to score because Ife Ohalete intercepted James Freeman’s pass.

That was indicative of Washington’s offensive efforts. The Generals gained only 12 yards in the first half and 97 in the game. Their only touchdown came in the fourth quarter, down 28-0, when Freeman passed into a group of defenders and the ball was deflected downfield to Kenneth Taylor, who completed the 47-yard play.

“The defense played great all night,” Los Alamitos Coach John Barnes said. “When you see a play like that [touchdown], you just say that’s what happens.”

It didn’t happen enough for Washington.

Los Alamitos totaled 358 yards and held a 21-0 halftime lead, but two touchdown drives were from 14 and 15 yards. Mike Atamian recovered a fumble at the 14, setting up Tony Austin’s nine-yard run, and a fumbled snap on a punt set up Ryan Dunbar’s 10-yard touchdown reception from Feterik.

The defense put the offense in good position other times, too.

The offense also started from the Washington 42 and Feterik eventually scored on a one-yard sneak; and on the Washington 44, with Roy Roberts scoring from 10 yards.

Los Alamitos’ most impressive drive came in the first quarter--12 plays, 68 yards--courtesy of Austin, who rushed seven times for 60 yards, including 13 and 12 yards on third down plays. Ryan Gragnano scored from the three.

Austin rushed 16 times for 97 yards in all.

“Coach said the backs needed to play harder this week,” Austin said, “and I took it personally.”

The Griffins’ other touchdown came after Hartley’s 66-yard reception; Feterik passed to Hartley for seven yards. Hartley had five catches for 112 yards.