At times it wasn’t pretty, but the Los Alamitos Griffins managed to edge out the Buchanan Bears on the road 34-31; they improve to (4-0) on the season.

The passing game shined at times in the first half, with Malachi Nelson airing it out for a 64-yard touchdown to Makai Lemon on the Griffins first drive that ended in points. They again linked up for a 18-yard touchdown in the second quarter; Lemon was interfered with on the play but still made the catch on what was a crucial 4th and 8 attempt for Los Alamitos.

Seven first half penalties on the offense really shut down the momentum early, as the Griffins went scoreless on the final three drives of the first half.

Two early turnovers on a Malachi Nelson interception, and a muffed punt (contact was apparently made before the ball reached the returner though the refs ruled it a fumble anyways) were part of the reason for Buchanan coming away with a first half lead.

However, the second half was dominated by the Los Alamitos ground game which was credited with all three of their second half touchdowns. Nygel Osborne was effective when used in the first half; he really took over in the third and fourth quarters, though where he rushed for two touchdowns five minutes apart that lifted the Griffins momentum.

Nelson punched in the pivotal touchdown with 4:07 left in the fourth quarter. It extended the lead to 34-24, and was the first and only time either team led by two possessions.

Though tested, the Griffins came away with the win, as they were able to cling on to their three point lead by kneeling out the clock.

Next week will see the Griffins once again travel away, this time to Santa Margarita where they will look to stay undefeated on Friday, Sept. 17.