Santa Barbara Shuts Out in Second Half in Road Playoff Loss to El Modena

Santa Barbara Dons Football Team Falls in CIF-SS Division 2 Quarterfinals

Santa Barbara's Season Ends in Heartbreaking Fashion After Dominant First Half Performance

The Santa Barbara Dons football team saw their season come to an end on Friday night, losing 24-17 to the El Modena Vanguards in the CIF-SS Division 2 quarterfinals. The Dons held a 17-10 lead at halftime but were shut out in the second half by the Vanguards' stingy defense.

The Dons got off to a fast start, scoring on their opening drive on a 10-yard touchdown run by senior running back Josh Moala. The Vanguards responded with a field goal on their ensuing drive, but the Dons extended their lead to 14-3 with a 35-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Deacon Hill to senior wide receiver Mason Murphy.

The Vanguards cut the lead to 14-10 with a touchdown late in the second quarter, but the Dons answered right back with a 30-yard field goal by senior kicker Aidan Sims to take a 17-10 lead into halftime.

The Vanguards came out of the locker room with a renewed sense of purpose, scoring on their first drive of the second half on a 10-yard touchdown run by senior running back Jaheim Oatis. The Vanguards then took the lead for good with a 25-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Mason Nared to senior wide receiver Kyle Johnson later in the third quarter.

The Dons had a chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter, but their drive stalled at the Vanguards' 25-yard line. The Vanguards then put the game away with a 30-yard field goal with just over two minutes remaining.

The loss was a tough one for the Dons, who had won their first two playoff games in convincing fashion. The Dons finished the season with a 10-3 record, including a 5-0 record in the Channel League.

The Vanguards, who improved to 11-2 with the win, will advance to the CIF-SS Division 2 semifinals, where they will face the top-seeded Oaks Christian Lions.