Football: SOCES vs. USC Hybrid 9/22

By: Oscar Orellana '24

As the sun set on the warm September evening, Friday Knight Lights made their second appearance of the year. After a loss against Malibu away from home last week, the Knights looked to get back on track in the week against USC Hybrid.

With the bleachers full of SOCES students and the lights shining, SOCES kicked off the ball to start the game. Starting the game on defense, SOCES was able to hold USC Hybrid to a 4th down and even forced a turnover on downs. With prime field position, SOCES unfortunately went 3-and-out on their first offensive drive. As the possession flipped once more, the Knights defense continuously held strong to give the offense another chance. On the resulting punt from USC Hybrid, junior receiver and safety King almost took the ball all the way to the house, but stepped just out of bounds. The first quarter ended with a touchdown for USC Hybrid, putting the Knights down.

As the second quarter began, a touchdown got called back on a penalty for USC Hybrid. After the penalty, the stout Knights defense caused their second turnover on downs of the night. On the subsequent Knights offensive drive, they were set to go for a 4th down. Unfortunately, a false start caused them to punt, and the punt was blocked by USC Hybrid. The resulting possession ended in a rushing touchdown for USC Hybrid, putting the Knights down 24-0. With less than a minute left in the half, King got a pick six to finally put the Knights on the board. The 2-point conversion was also converted by a stellar catch by King. However, USC Hybrid scored once more with 9 seconds left in the half.

Even after his pick six and 2-point conversion, King started off the second half with a bang for the Knights offense, hoping to jumpstart them for a comeback. He recorded his second touchdown of the night, but a kick return touchdown on the ensuing kickoff swung the momentum back towards the Trojans. And that’s where it stayed. The Knights unfortunately took a 3rd loss on the season, falling to 1-3.