GUSTINE — The Gustine Lady Reds delivered their most complete performance of the season Friday night, overwhelming Vanguard College Prep 41–0 in a game they controlled from the opening kickoff through the final whistle.
Gustine set the tone immediately after winning the coin toss. The defense forced a quick three‑and‑out, and on the ensuing punt, Charlee Johnson found space along the sideline and returned it for a touchdown, giving the Reds an early spark and a 7–0 lead.
The offense wasted no time adding to it. On the next series, running back Daryana Elizalde broke through the Lions’ front for a rushing touchdown, pushing the margin to 14–0 before the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter brought a shift in field position and a test of Gustine’s patience. A drive inside the 20 ended on downs, and Vanguard tried to seize momentum. But the Lady Reds’ defensive line responded with a four‑down stand, and even after an interception in Lions territory, Gustine’s defense held firm, keeping Vanguard scoreless at halftime.
Coming out of the break, Gustine turned a competitive game into a runaway. Elizalde opened the half with a 35‑yard sprint down the sideline, followed by a 10‑yard reception from Emireth Nieto. Moments later, Nieto powered in a rushing touchdown and added the point‑after to make it 21–0.
The defense then took over. Jackie Chavez intercepted a pass near midfield, and on the very next play, she lined up at receiver, caught a short pass and outran the secondary for a touchdown. Elizalde’s extra point stretched the lead to 28–0 midway through the third.
Chavez continued her standout night in the fourth quarter, pulling in a touchdown reception in the back corner of the end zone to make it 35–0. She later grabbed her second interception of the game, setting up Nieto’s second rushing touchdown to close out the 41–0 shutout.
Following the win, head coaches Chris and Addie Ethridge praised the team’s execution and energy.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the standard our players set today,” Chris Ethridge said. “We talk all week about executing early and playing complete football from the whistle, and the girls brought high intensity to every single snap.”
“This was a team effort in every sense,” Addie Ethridge added. “Our defense set the tempo, special teams delivered a spark right away, and our playmakers stepped up when their numbers were called. It’s a great foundation to build on as we move deeper into league play.”
