By Matt Schuler
(Pico Rivera)- No one would have predicted this one.
After only winning two games last year the El Rancho Dons started this season with a surprising 28-17 victory on their home field against the West Covina Bulldogs Friday night at Don Memorial Stadium.
El Rancho’s defensive speed contained West Covina returning running back Ricky Johnson and forced the Bulldogs into four costly turnovers.
Johnson had a great game on the ground, but coach Mike Maggiore and West Covina could not establish any other weapons on offense.
On the other hand first year starter for El Rancho Art Franco rushed for two touchdowns and caught a pass for another score.
“I’m proud of him” said Don Coach Rick Zepeda. “Especially when everybody is talking about the West Covina backs.”
“He’s small, but he is one of the stronger kids on our team.”
Johnson finished with over 150 yards rushing and two touchdowns on the ground, but the Bulldogs passing game was absent.
After forcing West Covina to punt on their opening drive, El rancho executed a 12 play drive, and set the tone when third year quarterback Josh Perea connected on a four yard pass with Franco on fourth and goal.
The game was tied 7-7 after the first quarter and West Covina trailed at the half 13-10.
The Dogs actually held a 17-13 lead after Johnson squirted through the middle and avoided a couple El Rancho Tacklers on the way to a 73 yard score with 3:12 left in the third.
Rancho responded with a score by Franco who punched in the two point conversion to make the score 21-17.
The Dons added a score late in the game after another interception thrown by Westco.
Rancho’s defense forced two interceptions and capitalized turning both into touchdowns.
Coach Zepeda summed it up best in three words
“We worked hard.”
And for ER hard work earned a victory.
WC 7 3 7 0 17
ER 7 6 0 15 28
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