West Covina Dominates Baldwin Park to Remain Undefeated in League

West Covina secured a thrilling 28-20 victory over Baldwin Park in a Valle Vista League matchup on March 15, 2024. The win not only maintains the Bulldogs’ undefeated status in league play but also solidifies their position in the upcoming CIF-Southern Section playoffs. With this victory, the Bulldogs improved to a record of 6-2 overall and 3-0 in the league.

The game showcased a fierce competition, with both teams encountering significant challenges in the first half. Baldwin Park initially took the lead with a touchdown from freshman Jacory Coleman, capitalizing on a bad snap from the Bulldogs’ center. The Braves went into halftime with a narrow 7-6 advantage.

In the second half, West Covina showcased its resilience, scoring on their first possession. A half-back option play saw Isaac Villescas connect with Mo Gogue for a touchdown. Quarterback Elias Irvin successfully converted a two-point attempt, altering the momentum in favor of the Bulldogs.

As the contest progressed, West Covina extended their lead to 20-7 midway through the third quarter, thanks to a powerful 15-yard run by Noah Davis. Bulldogs’ coach Bai Kabba praised Davis’s vision on the field, stating, “Noah has really impressed us with his vision. He’s made some phenomenal plays just with his running back vision.”

The Braves, determined to fight back, responded with a five-yard touchdown run from Choyce Hampton, narrowing the gap to 20-14. The excitement peaked when Baldwin Park tied the game at 20-20 with a stunning 86-yard halfback option from Elvis Diaz to Donovan St. Cyr with just over six minutes remaining.

With the pressure mounting, West Covina displayed remarkable composure. The Bulldogs orchestrated an 80-yard drive, capped by a 10-yard touchdown run from Villescas, who finished the game with 105 yards on 13 carries. The Bulldogs secured their lead with a successful two-point conversion, where Josiah Joseph pushed through the defense with the assistance of Irvin.

The final moments of the game saw Baldwin Park threatening to even the score again as they advanced to the Bulldogs’ 10-yard line. However, West Covina’s Isaiah Rodrigues made a crucial interception at the three-yard line, effectively sealing the game for the Bulldogs.

Kabba remarked on the challenges of the league, emphasizing the need for consistent performance: “All the coaches agree, we’re in a tough league. You can’t take anyone lightly, and we’re playing great teams right now.”

With the victory, West Covina remains tied with Northview at the top of the league standings, setting the stage for a pivotal matchup in two weeks that could determine the outright league championship.