MidValleySports.Com

Ranch running back Aaron Escareno breaks through “The Darkside” (photo courtesy of www.elranchofootball.com)

By Rich Whittington

(Pico Rivera)- The El Rancho Dons came back from an 11 point halftime deficit to beat the visiting Montebello Oilers, 30-29, Friday evening at Ernie Johnson Field on the campus of El Rancho High School.

Dons quarterback Ryan Araujo led his team on an 76 yards drive in the game’s final minutes before scoring on a 6-yard run with 11 seconds to play.

That balanced a 55-yard touchdown pass from the Oilers Carlos China to Isaac Mendibles that gave the visitors a 29-23 lead with 41 seconds to play.

El Rancho benefited from Araujo’s usual strong play. The Dons signal caller scored two rushing touchdowns, and running back Aaron Escareno, who gained 151 yards on 18 carries, including a 1-yard touchdown run.

However, tonight’s hero was kicker Josh Portillo. Portillo kicked field goals of 38, 40, and 41 yards; kicked three PAT’s, had three touchbacks, and made what proved to be the game winning tackle.

Following the go ahead touchdown it was Portillo who made the saving tackle on the kick-off return to preserve the win for the Dons.

***Montebello QB Carlos China tossed scoring passes of 29 and 55 yards.

***Montebello RB Isaac Mendibles contributed 168 yards on 18 carries, including a

69 yard TD run.

***Montebello executed a perfect Flea Flicker, which featured China throwing to

WR Randy Portillo, who then threw to WR Edgar Gonzalez for a 79 yard score.

***The game included for turnovers…two fumbles and two interceptions***

***The score at halftime was Montebello 21- El Rancho 10***

***The score changed twice in the game’s final 41 seconds, with Montebello taking the

lead with 41 remaining in regulation…only to relinquish it again with 11 ticks remaining

on the clock.

***El Rancho QB Araujo was directly responsible for all of the yardage on the final

scoring drive of the contest…passing for 70 yards, and running for a six yard score.

***The contest included ten penalties, including six flags for “Illegal Formations”.

***Montebello’s next opponent is the Pioneer Titans. The game will be played on

9/23/13 at Montebello High School. Kickoff is at 7:00PM.

***El Rancho travels to Troy to play the Warriors. Game time is 7:00PM on 9/27/13.