Despite the loss Chase Price shined for Diamond Ranch
(Pomona) – Diamond Ranch led 14-6 entering the fourth quarter. But Elsinore turned it completely around scoring three consecutive touchdowns in the final quarter to beat the Panthers 27-21 Saturday night at Ganesha High.
Diamond Ranch turned the ball over four times in the contest (3 interceptions, 1 fumble) including a costly one in the final period when leading 14-12. Quarterback Cesar Carrillo was popped while scrambling and the ball came loose. Elsinore fell on it and set up shop at the DR 47.
A 20 yard run by Seth Middlemas paved the way for a one yard TD plunge by Mike Richards three plays later. Matt Platten then hit Nolan Peralta for a two point conversion to give Elsinore a 20-14 lead with 5:54 left.
The Panthers still had plenty of time but on the ensuing possession Carrillo was stopped on fourth down at the Elsinore 48.
The Tigers cashed in when on a fourth and six Patten hit Middlemas on the run over the middle and he raced in for a 42 yard score to make it 27-14.
“I think it was a combination of things- turnovers, penalties, everything,” said Diamond Ranch Coach Roddy Layton. “On that fourth and six I think we did get caught looking ahead a little bit.”
The Panthers marched quickly down the field on the next series. Chase Price finished a 73 yard drive with a three yard touchdown run with 55 seconds remaining. Elsinore recovered the onside kickoff and the iced the clock.
The first half was a defensive struggle and turnovers on both sides halted drives. Price scored on an 11 yard run in the first quarter to give Diamond Ranch an early lead.
Elsinore got even on another long touchdown pass to Middlemas as Patten hit him for a 48 yard score.
It remained that way as the two teams headed to the break. DR had two turnovers in the first half and Elsinore coughed it up once.
Jacoby Carter capped a 65 yard drive with a six yard touchdown run just before the end of the third quarter to give the Panthers the lead. Carrillo hit Price in the end zone for the two point conversion and a 14-6 lead and things were looking good for the Ranch. Then it got away.
On the very next series, Lewis Ward took a handoff on a counter play and ran through the Diamond Ranch secondary for a 37 yard score.
Then there was the DR fumble, and the go ahead score for Elsinore. The Panthers could never recover.
Price rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught five passes for 113 yards for the Panthers.
“Chase really shined tonight for the first time this year. He showed why he is a player who is going to SDSU (San Diego State) next year to play football.”
Middlemas was the offensive sparkplug for Elsinore. He carried the ball 21 times for 132 yards and had three receptions for 104 yards and two touchdowns.
Diamond Ranch fell to 0-3 with the loss but has played a schedule just this side of the PAC 10.
“I hate to lose. I can’t stand losing and I’ll lose some sleep over this one,” Layton said. “But we need to play these tough games to get ready for league. You can lose these games if you’re winning in week 13 or 14.”
The death march continues next week as Diamond Ranch travels to Chaffey before opening league at Diamond Bar October 1.
E 6 0 0 21 27
DR 6 0 8 7 21
Summary:
1st Qtr:
DR 5:22 Price 11 yd pass from Carrillo (2 pt run failed)
E 1:57 Middlemas 48 yd pass from Patten (2 pt pass failed)
3rd Qtr:
DR :31 Carter 6 yd run (Price pass from Carrillo- 2 pt)
4th Qtr:
E 9:21 Ward 37 yd run (2 pt pass failed)
E 5:54 Richards 1 yd run (Peralta pass from Patten – 2 pt)
E 2:06 Middlemas 42 yd pass from Patten (Juan Soto Kick)
DR :55 Price 3 yd run (Jeff Stamp Kick)
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