MidValleySports.Com

By Ron Vrooman

(Alhambra) – The Alhambra Moors crushed the Mark Keppel Aztecs, 48-16, last Friday night to snap an eight-game losing streak which included consecutive losses to San Gabriel late in the 2022 season.   

The victory on Homecoming Night gave the Moors a 1-1 record in the Almont League and made them 1-6 overall. The win was also Alhambra’s 23rd straight over Keppel since 1999, when the Aztecs last beat the Moors. (The teams didn’t play in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic; it was the only time they’ve failed to meet since the series began in 1940.)    

Alhambra built a 34-0 halftime lead and coasted from there; the Moors scored on six of their eight offensive possessions and never had to punt.   

Quarterback Bryan Leonard accounted for the Moors’ first two scores, throwing touchdown passes to wide receiver Brandon Kelly and tight end Ethan Ayala. Leonard, who played sparingly, completed two of three passes for 45 yards. 

Seven Alhambra ballcarriers rushed for a combined total of 197 yards against the Aztecs; Andrew Ramos, Julian Venegas Khavari, Edison Dong, and Ivan Beltran all ran for touchdowns.    

The Moors’ special teams also scored a TD early in the second quarter when Adan Duenas Fregoso wrestled the ball away from Keppel punter Jesse Escobar in the end zone after a bad snap.    

The Aztecs’ scoring in the second half came on a one-yard run by sophomore Hunter To and a 72-yard burst by freshman Bentley Doulas. The loss to Alhambra dropped Keppel to 0-2 in league and 0-7 overall.   

On a somber note, the game was halted with 3:32 left when Alhambra backup quarterback Jackson Akers suffered leg fractures inches above the ankle and had to be taken to the hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery in roughly three months.