Football Recap: Emma Cox Leads Aliso Niguel's Defense on Saturday

Aliso Niguel was not able to break out of their rough patch on Saturday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They were six points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 20-14 heartbreaker at the hands of the Esperanza Aztecs. If the Wolverines were looking for revenge after losing 20-14 to the Aztecs when the teams met back in September of 2024, then they'll just have to keep looking.

Although Aliso Niguel took the loss, they still got scores from Cambria Kaminski and Kailiey King.

Emma Cox

Sacks

08/16/25 vs Esperanza	2
08/16/25 vs Orange Lutheran	2
08/15/25 vs Dos Pueblos	1
08/15/25 vs Long Beach Poly	1
08/13/25 vs Corona	3

Even if they lost, Aliso Niguel's defense still kept up the pressure with three sacks. Leading the way was Emma Cox with two. Cox is crushing it when it comes to sacks: she's posted at least one every time she's taken the field this season.

Emma Gribben had another great game (as she tends to do), rushing for 102 yards and a pair of scores on only six carries, while also picking up 64 receiving yards for Esperanza. Gribben didn't just play on offense: she also made seven total tackles and defended one pass.

Aliso Niguel now has a losing record of 2-3. As for Esperanza, their victory bumped their record up to 5-1.

Coming up, Aliso Niguel will host Fountain Valley at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Esperanza, they will hit the road for the first time this season to take on Mater Dei at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday.