Decisive victory East End high school’s first since 2015

The Alameda High School (AHS) football team broke a six-game Island Bowl losing streak with a convincing 34-0 victory over Encinal High School (EHS) on Friday, Sept. 22.

Last year, the Jets were outmatched but pulled off a huge upset to win the 67th Island Bowl, 19-18. AHS made sure no underdog story would be told in this year’s Island Bowl.

The Jets played host for the rivalry matchup at Willie Stargell Field and the Hornets were unruly guests. On the game’s first possession, the Hornets marched down the field with battering running plays that the Jets could not stop. AHS junior Alexander Gonzalez capped a long drive with a nine-yard touchdown run. AHS’ extra point kick was no good and the Hornets led 6-0.

After both teams traded punts, the Hornets would get back on the scoreboard midway through the second quarter. AHS senior quarterback connected with sophomore Layden Cole for a 40-yard touchdown pass. Cole ran a wheel route down the right sideline and Slez hit him with the perfect floating pass. Cole tight-roped his way in for the score to increase the Hornets’ lead to 13-0.

The Hornets remain undefeated at 4-0. In four games, AHS has outscored its opponents 135-16.

The Hornets blew the game away late in the second quarter. Slez threw his second touchdown pass on a 35-yard strike to senior Will Rozien with less than a minute left in the half. The touchdown made it 20-0 and it was noticeable that the Jets were outmatched and unlikely to make a comeback.

Slez threw his third and final touchdown pass on the Hornets’ first possession of the third quarter. After Encinal went three-and-out on the opening possession of the second half, AHS was able to takeover with good field possession. After driving to the Encinal 23-yard line, Slez connected with Will Hester for a 23-yard touchdown pass.

The Hornets added another score in the fourth quarter on a six-yard run by Deon Bier. The Jets were unable to move the ball on offense all game. They barely managed to possess the ball on Alameda’s side of the field.

It was the Hornets’ first victory in the Island Bowl since 2015 — the 2020 Island Bowl was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hornets lead the overall Island Bowl series 34-32-2.

The Hornets remain undefeated at 4-0. In four games, AHS has outscored its opponents 135-16. They will play their first West Alameda County Conference -- Shoreline League game of the season when they host San Lorenzo High School on Friday, Sept. 29.

The Jets are on the opposite trajectory. Their record dropped to 1-4. After defeating Hercules High School, 20-6, in the season opener, the Jets have lost four straight and have been outscored 184-25, in those games. Encinal will have the week off before facing Berkeley High School on Oct. 6, on the road.