MidValleySports.Com

(Pomona) – Diamond Ranch sharpened up its defensive teeth for its final preseason game with a 29-6 victory over Chaffey.

The Panthers offense never saw the field in the first quarter and still rolled up 215 yards in offense in its first win of the season.

Nick Gibson showcased his talents for Diamond Ranch head coach Roddy Layton by carrying the ball 11 times for 98 yards and a touchdown. Gibson also caught one pass for a 22 yard touchdown pass.

Gibson’s best run, also became the dagger in any hope for the Tigers to mount a comeback with a bruising run that Gale Sayers would have been proud off as Chaffey defenders bounced off him for a 31 yard touchdown.

The game itself was bizarre during the first half. The Tigers held the ball for 21:30, yet when the halftime gun sounded it was down 14-6.

Chaffey began with the ball and was forced to punt with 7:21 remaining in the first quarter. The snap went over the punters head and into the end zone where Juanaya Austin recovered the loose ball to give Diamond Ranch an early 7-0 lead.

After the score the Tigers went on a 24-play drive that ate up 15:35. The drive itself went 80 yards, punctuated by a two-yard dive by Joe Koloa.

Koloa finished the night with 36 carries for 105 yards and the only Chaffey score.

In its only possession of the first half, the Panthers drove 54 yards on six plays to go up by eight points. Elexious Perkins closed the drive out with a 14 yard run.

After the break, Diamond Ranch drove to the Tigers 18-yard line only to have the drive stall. Cameron Hunter attempted a 35-yard kick only to have it blocked by Matthew Boice. Three plays later, Chaffey’s Koko Sitaneileil fumbled at the Tigers 26-yard line that was recovered by the Panthers.

Diamond Ranch took full advantage of the fumble on its third play from scrimmage as Xavier Beltran throw a half-back screen to Gibson who did the rest with a 22-yard touchdown reception.

The defense for the Panthers came up big all evening allowing just 151 yards on the ground.