MidValleySports.Com

By Corey Kwok

(Alhambra) – The Mark Keppel Aztecs defensively came through in the clutch, and it reaped history-making dividends, as they defeated Gabrielino for the first time ever with a gritty 13-0 shutout at Aztec Field.

The victory also snapped Keppel’s 18 game losing streak stretching back to October 2, 2009 when they defeated Mt. View 36-0 at home.

Esequiel Jimenez made it happen on the scoreboard for the Aztecs as the junior running back captured 73 yards on  8 carries with both Aztec touchdowns to boot.

Gabrielino went for it on fourth and inches deep on its own 14 and were stuffed back thanks to a huge Keppel stance to turn possession over on downs.

The Aztecs scored six plays later as Jimenez charged into paydirt from one yard out for a 7-0 lead with 3:59 to play in the first. Jimenez dialed it in again midway into the third stanza from seven yards out to bookend the eventual final.

The Eagles lost one of their key running backs in Jonathan Perini to injury near halftime. Perini sustained an injury on a tackle around the lower thigh but had gotten 50 yards on eight runs by then.

Nick Hernandez took over in the backfield in place of Perini and led the Eagles’ rushing with 62 yards on 9 carries.

The second half reaped a defensive return on investment for Keppel and proved forgettable for Gabrielino, who turned it over on 4 of 5 possessions (3 lost fumbles, and an interception) and was held behind midfield till the final minute of play. The Aztec securing the pick was James Cano, who returned it 12 yards.

Both schools are now 1-2 on the season.