Down 14 at Half, Los Alamitos Flips the Script for Epic Comeback Win Over Yorba Linda

Down 14 at Half, Los Alamitos Flips the Script for Epic Comeback Win Over Yorba Linda

By RepMax Media | HS Prep Sports

Second chances don’t always come in playoff football. When Los Alamitos walked into the locker room trailing Yorba Linda 28-14 at halftime, the Griffins could’ve folded. Instead, they came out and put on an absolute clinic.

This wasn’t just a comeback — it was a statement.

First Half Reality Check

Yorba Linda came to play. Led by junior quarterback Noah Trujillo, the Mustangs controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, executing their game plan with surgical precision. Trujillo carved up the Los Al secondary, and the Mustangs’ balanced attack had the Griffins searching for answers.

For 24 minutes, Yorba Linda looked like the team nobody wanted to face in Round 1. Their physicality up front and explosive playmaking ability built a commanding two-touchdown lead.

But playoff football is a four-quarter game.

The Halftime Difference

Whatever Los Al’s coaching staff said in that locker room worked. The Griffins that emerged for the second half looked like a completely different team — sharper, hungrier, and locked in.

The adjustment started on defense. Los Alamitos tightened coverage, collapsed running lanes, and turned Yorba Linda’s explosive first-half offense into a stalled-out engine. The energy shift was immediate.

Taking Over: The Griffin Ground Attack

Running backs Lenny Ibarra and Kamden Tillis took over in the trenches. The duo combined for 145 rushing yards, with Tillis leading the charge with 95 yards on the ground. Ibarra’s versatility shined through — contributing 50 rushing yards while also hauling in key receptions.

The run game didn’t just control the clock — it changed the entire complexion of the game. Los Alamitos started dictating the pace, and Yorba Linda’s defense couldn’t keep up.

When the Mustangs loaded the box to stop the run, quarterback Colin Creason made them pay. The senior signal-caller finished with 206 passing yards, keeping drives alive with his poise in the pocket. His connection with tight end Beckham Hofland was lethal — Hofland hauled in 95 receiving yards, including several crucial third-down conversions.

Fourth Quarter Heroes

With the game on the line, Kamden Tillis punched in the go-ahead touchdown on a grinding drive that showcased everything great about Los Alamitos football — toughness, execution, and heart.

But the real dagger? That belonged to Lenny Ibarra.

With under a minute left and Yorba Linda desperate for one last miracle, Ibarra read the quarterback’s eyes, jumped the route, and sealed the comeback with a game-clinching interception. Cue the helmets flying and the student section going absolutely wild.

Respect to Yorba Linda

Let’s be real — the Mustangs showed up and balled out. Noah Trujillo put together a strong performance through the air, and the team dominated the first half. They executed their game plan and left everything on that field. This was a battle between two elite programs, and Yorba Linda earned every bit of respect they got.

But in playoff football, you’ve got to finish. And Los Alamitos finished.

What This Win Means

This wasn’t just about surviving Round 1. This was about proving that championship teams don’t quit when they’re down. They adjust. They fight back. They find a way.

Los Alamitos now advances to Round 2, where they’ll face San Juan Hills — another test in their postseason journey. If this performance proved anything, it’s that the Griffins are peaking at exactly the right time.

Up Next

Round 2 awaits against San Juan Hills. The stakes get higher, the competition gets tougher, and Los Alamitos just showed they’re ready for whatever comes next.

💬 Your Take:
Who’s your game MVP? Drop your vote:
–  Lenny Ibarra (105 total yards + game-sealing INT)
–  Kamden Tillis (95 rushing yards + clutch TD)
–  Colin Creason (206 passing yards + clutch playmaking)
–  Beckham Hofland (95 receiving yards)

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