Griffins unplug undefeated Chargers 52-27
Win means Los Alamitos HS could secure Sunset League title
One of the most anticipated games in California high school football was played Oct. 13 between the undefeated Edison Chargers and the Los Alamitos Griffins. The Sunset League showdown at Huntington Beach High School featured two teams, both jockeying for position heading toward the playoffs.
The Griffins limped into this matchup with several starters on both sides of the ball not suiting up. When you take into consideration that their two most potent offensive weapons left last week’s game with injuries, things didn’t look promising. The Griffin’s star wide receiver and cornerback, Makai Lemon, was a game-time decision and started the contest only playing on the defensive side of the ball.
The Chargers, on the other hand, had outscored their opponents by a combined total of 258 to 93 and boasted an impressive undefeated record.
When the Griffin’s opening drive ended in an interception, only to be matched by a Chargers interception on the very next play; everyone knew they would be in for an incredible game and it did not disappoint.
The Griffins jumped out to a 14-7 lead after one quarter and were on the verge of scoring again when Damien Henderson, their starting running back, went down with an apparent injury and had to be helped off the field. Both teams continued to score, going in at halftime with the Griffins leading 31-14.
In the second half, the Chargers got as close as 31-21 before the Griffins pulled away. Damien Henderson returned to the game, showing his toughness as he finished with 258 yards rushing. Makai Lemon came up with a clutch interception in the endzone, which sparked a late surge by the Griffins, culminating in an impressive 52-27 victory.
The Griffin players took it as a sign of disrespect when the Chargers chose to play them for their homecoming game. If a depleted Griffin squad was able to dismantle the Chargers by 25 points, imagine the final score had they been healthy.
The Griffins are well on their way to another Sunset League championship, with Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley the only remaining teams on their schedule.
The Griffins host their homecoming game on Friday, October 21, 2022, at 7p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach.
For the record: A previous version of this article had the incorrect caption for the first photo misidentifying the athlete.