By Ron Vrooman
(Alhambra) – Trailing Alhambra, 14-6, after three quarters last Friday night, the visiting Mark Keppel Aztecs still had a chance to party like they were in 1999, which was the last time they had beaten the Moors. However, fourth-quarter touchdown runs by Erick Baray, Johnny Thang, and Cyrus Wu propelled Alhambra to a 34-12 victory in the teams’ Almont League opener.
The Moors’ senior quarterback, Michael Gonzalez, also played an instrumental role, completing 14 of 28 passes for 147 yards and two scores. Gonzalez’s 19-yard TD pass to wide receiver Liam Barajas, and Emilio Reynoso’s point-after, gave Alhambra a 7-6 halftime lead. His 25-yard scoring strike to Thang enabled the Moors to take an eight-point lead in the third quarter.
Keppel utilized a ball-control strategy most of the game and ended up running 65 plays from scrimmage, in contrast to 45 plays for Alhambra.
The Moors were their own worst enemies at times, as they came up empty on three separate trips inside the Keppel 10-yard line.
The outcome of the game remained in doubt until Alhambra finally gained traction with its ground attack in the final quarter.
Keppel running back Joshua Millan led all ball carriers, rushing 27 times for 119 yards and a touchdown. The Aztecs’ quarterback, Joshua Juanico, who didn’t throw a forward pass until the third quarter, completed six of nine passes for 70 yards and a late TD.
Alhambra had 297 yards in total offense, while Keppel gained 206 yards from scrimmage. The Moors improved their overall record to 2-4, and the Aztecs fell to 3-3 on the season.
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