RESEDA — Despite a scheduling change, the Cleveland Cavaliers football team came out to play on its home turf, dominating the Grant Lancers, 53-0, on Friday night.
Both teams had different games scheduled this week as Cleveland was supposed to face Reseda and Grant was scheduled to play LA High.
With Reseda not having enough players available, changes were made to the schedule.
That didn’t stop Cleveland quarterback Domenik Fuentes, as he led the way for his team.
Cleveland head coach Mario Guzman praised Fuentes for his first-half exhibition.
“I’m proud of him. He has been a four-year varsity player. He is the heart and soul of this team,” Guzman said. I can go to him for anything. He came back after having a difficult year. Last season, he dislocated his elbow.”
Guzman credited his players for being professional despite facing a different team.
“We prepare for these moments,” Guzman said. “We approach these games with all seriousness.”
The offensive display started for Cleveland as Fuentes connected with Julio Avalos for 34 yards. The 2-point conversion was good and the Cavaliers took an 8-0 lead.
Moments later, the Cavaliers defense got a safety as Grant quarterback Israel Flores was sacked in the end zone and Cleveland was up 10-0.
In the second offensive possession, Fuentes connected with Cobe Green for 22 yards and with the extra point being good, Cleveland was up 17-0.
Things kept going downhill for the Lancers as Cavaliers’ Adrian Rivera had an interception which led to another touchdown with Fuentes finding Moyosoreoluwa Odebunmi for 33 yards. Cleveland went up 24-0 with the extra point.
Fuentes’s strong first half continued as he ran for 37 yards to extend Cleveland’s lead. The extra point try was good and the Cavaliers were up 31-0.
Fuentes was happy to contribute with a touchdown.
“I worked hard for it. I give dedication to my line and running back for selling it for me and I did the rest,” Fuentes said.
The defensive display continued with Michael Reyna scoring a touchdown after he intercepted Grant’s quarterback Jordan Lopez. The extra point try was successful and the Cavaliers led 38-0.
To start the second quarter, a bad snap led to Cleveland getting another safety, 40-0.
Moments later, Donovan Shirley scored on a 95-yard kickoff return for a 46-0 lead.
To end the half, Fuentes handed off to Odebunmi, who ran for 30 yards. The extra point try was good as Cleveland took a 53-0 lead at the half.
Fuentes said the team was on the same page.
“We moved and played as a team and that’s all that matters,” Fuentes said. “We are a brotherhood.”
Grant head coach Jess Medina said the rescheduling of opponents affected the way his team prepared.
“We weren’t prepared to match up with Cleveland,” Medina said. “We had a different game lined up and the window of preparation got really narrow.”
With the win, Cleveland improves to 2-0, while Grant drops to 0-2.
The Cavaliers travel to Castaic to face the Coyotes, while the Lancers take a trip to South Gate to face Legacy. Both games are Thursday at 7 p.m.