MidValleySports.Com

By Matt Schuler

(Azusa)- Azusa is now 4-1 after defeating Bassett 39-18 Friday night in the Montview League opener at Citrus College.

Aztec quarterback John Chavez orchestrated a good passing attack and Azusa jumped on the Olympians 7-0 early in the first quarter. This was before the game was put on hold for 30 minutes when the referees realized there was no doctor or ambulance on hand.

When play resumed running back Kendrec McDade finished the drive for the Aztecs with a 10 yard touchdown run up the middle to make the score 13-0 with little over five minutes remaining in the first.

Bassett responded with a seven play five minute drive, which was capped off by an 18 yard pass and catch from quarterback Robert Rodriguez to wide out Raymond Pena for the score.

Pena’s touchdown grab brought Bassett back to life and the score was 13-6 after a failed two point conversion. It’s as close as the Olympians would get as the defending Montview league champs pulled away.

“Our kids are really working hard, the coaches are working hard,” said Bassett coach Leon Ward. “The kids are improving I think everybody can see that, But we need to get better.”

The Aztecs scored twice more in the first half, Abraham Ochoa caught a scoring pass from Chavez and McDade added a short run to make it 26-12 at the break.

In the second half Chavez threw his third touchdown pass of the night to James Figueroa, and back up quarterback Jacob Martinez closed the scoring with an 18-yard run.

“Well we have the chance to compete,” said Azusa coach Joe Scherf. “Hopefully, we can stay healthy.”

Azusa takes on La Puente next week.

On the bright side for the Olympians, the team is 3-2, which is the best start Bassett has had since winning the Montview league title in 2004-05 when Pete Smolin was at the helm. Its three wins this season is equal to the amount of victories Bassett has accumulated over the last three seasons. Next week they face off against Workman.