Joe Orduno celebrates after defeating Santa Fe in the CIF Finals in 2006.
The recent passing of Schurr football legend Joe Orduno brought back to memory the Spartans’ epic run in the 2006 CIF Playoffs.
In 14 games that season, Orduno completed 143 of 224 passes for 2,629 yards and 25 touchdowns. He threw just seven interceptions.
The Spartans were 6-4 entering the playoffs, with losses to Burroughs and Downey to open the season. By the end of Week Five, the team was 2-3 and was blown out in Week 10 by Alhambra and Zion Babb, 55-22.
In round one, Schurr defeated South El Monte 48-20. Orduno hit on 11 of 14 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns. Receivers Alex Valdez and Julian Delahay both went over 100 yards receiving. Running back Steven Cano rushed for 127 yards and four touchdowns.
The following week, they trounced Westminster 38-8, and Orduno threw for 218 yards on just six completions including a a 94-yard touchdown pass to Valdez.
Schurr Spartan HC Elvin Dick.
Facing heavily favored La Habra in the semifinals, Schurr ground out a 9-7 victory in a physical contest to advance to the finals. Orduno completed 10 passes for 102 yards and another touchdown to Valdez.
“Yes, sir,” Orduno answered after the game. Every response he gave during the post-season was a respectful “Yes, sir,” followed by praise for his teammates.
Orduno jumping into the arms of wide receiver Alex Valdez after a scoring against Santa Fe.
Underdogs again facing Santa Fe in the finals, Orduno and the Spartans’ offense exploded for a 40-22 victory and the CIF title.
Orduno was 12-14 for 221 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for another score. Two of the scoring throws went to Rudy Jordan and another to Cano and Valdez for the fourth consecutive week.
“I’ve seen a lot of talented quarterbacks play in the SGV,” said then Mid Valley Sports Editor Joe Torosian. “Taller, bigger, and with stronger arms, but I never saw a quarterback put together four weeks like Joe Orduno did.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Orduno family and all of Spartan football.
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This was back when the playoffs had legitimacy, when a CIF title meant far more than today’s participation awards. This title match with Santa Fe, along with the La Serna-Norwalk meeting were two incredible games, both played at Cal State Fullerton. Great stuff…RIP Mr. Joe.
From Joe T.: Completely agree with you…I haven’t covered prep football for eight seasons…and the things I’m hearing and seeing now are awful. The equivalent of everyone getting a trophy.
You have left an imprint on many, so many beautiful, funny memories , you’ll be forever missed Joe.
Don’t really know this young man on a personal level, but he absolutely destroyed a loaded Santa Fe back in that 2006 CIF championship game. RIP
From Joe T.: He was incredible in that game…and that entire post-season.
Forever missed!
It was an honor to play with you
Spartan Legend!! RIP #7
It was a pleasure and honor to Coach you kid! RIP!
I am lost for words. I can’t believe that he is no longer with us. Rest in peace, my Spartan brother
He will be extremely missed by family and friends.
Prayers to his Family 🙏
RIP to a true Spartan legend! #7 QB1 forever