By Greg Hancock

R. Alan Hwang/Special to the Town Crier Los Altos linebacker Kellen McColl is taken down just short of the end zone.

Despite winning its first CCS playoff game in 21 years last week against Mills, the Los Altos High Eagles weren’t going to be satisfied until they rode the playoff train into the sunset carrying a championship trophy.

Unfortunately, all the confidence and determination in the world could not overcome costly mistakes and turnovers when playing another quality team like the St. Ignatius Wildcats. Miscues and an inability to put points on the board resulted in a disappointing 33-14 loss at Foothill College, ending a dream season.

The Eagles (10-2) got down early to St. Ignatius (9-2-1) when the Wildcats put up two early scores to take a 13-0 lead. The Eagles found themselves down 20-0 at one point.

As the Eagles defense was trying to come up with a strategy to slow down the Wildcats offensive attack, the Eagles offense began to get on track. Los Altos scored two touchdowns before halftime to get to a more manageable 26-14 deficit.

Quarterback Daniel Young led the Eagles offense. Young’s two touchdown passes keyed the first half comeback. Kellen McColl snared. Young, however, threw three costly interceptions later.

Los Altos had many opportunities to make the game a real nail biter as the second half opened. Los Altos drove to inside the 5-yard line on its opening possession before being stuffed on a 4th down play.

After the Eagles defense got the ball back, Los Altos tried again to get into the endzone. Young was then intercepted in the redzone by the Wildcats, nullifying another potential scoring chance and increasing the Eagles frustration level even higher.

“We had golden opportunities,” says Coach Jeff Kalb. “You have to credit S.I. They made some great plays.”