By Ron Vrooman
(Alhambra) – The Alhambra Moors have built an impressive passing attack, but it won’t produce wins on a consistent basis until their defense does a better job of stopping the run. That point was made abundantly clear last Friday night, when the South El Monte Eagles rushed for 415 yards and five touchdowns as they beat Alhambra, 42-20, at Mark Keppel High School in the season opener for both teams.
Senior tailback Ryan Gordiano led the way for the Eagles, carrying the ball 24 times for 165 yards and two scores. South El Monte’s senior quarterback, Erick Cazarez, rushed for 124 yards and a TD; his 76-yard run on a keeper in the fourth quarter set up a touchdown which extended the Eagles’ lead to 35-20.
Cazarez starred at free safety as well, picking off two passes by Alhambra’s senior quarterback, Michael Gonzalez. Cazarez returned his first interception, which came on the Moors’ initial play from scrimmage, 47 yards for a touchdown to give the Eagles a quick lead.
Then, with South El Monte still ahead, 28-20, early in the fourth quarter, Cazarez made a leaping interception in the Eagles’ end zone to deny the Moors a potential game-tying score. Cazarez also hit on three of five passes for just 14 yards, but he really didn’t have to throw much, given the Eagles’ powerful running game.
Gonzalez led Alhambra’s offense, completing 23 of 34 passes for 294 yards and three touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Liam Barajas caught 10 of those passes for a total of 71 yards and a TD, and junior slot man Trey Ragland made four catches for 69 yards and two scores.
Senior slot man Johnny Thang hauled in five passes totaling 112 yards. The Moors managed to rush for 80 yards; their leading ball carrier was senior tailback Luis Sanchez, who gained 50 yards in eight attempts.
South El Monte will take on visiting Baldwin Park this Friday night, and Alhambra will play Mary Star of the Sea at San Gabriel High on Thursday night. The Stars opened the 2021 season with a 63-0 victory over L.A. Marshall.
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Yep, Alhambra will be playing another home game at a different location. We’re hoping that Moor Field, as well as the surrounding streets, will be ready in time for our Sept. 2 game against Temple City.