MidValleySports.Com

By Big George Hernandez 

[La Puente] – Gatsbee Gumban scored four times for Nogales in their 34-23 victory over California at home Friday night to kick off the 2026 campaign.  

The Condors took possession of the ball first and marched down the field but couldn’t punch it in. Instead they settled for a field goal to make it 3-0.

The Nobles answered when Gumban broke free for a 55-yard touchdown making it 7-0.

Cal was forced to punt but a bad snap gave Nogales a short field, but Nogales turned the ball over on a fumble by quarterback Jojo Venegas. 

Condors tight end Antony Rios Soto had a 44-yard reception called back and then they fumbled and lost possession. 

Gatsbee went back to work finding paydirt again this time from 40-yards making it 13-3 after a missed extra point. 

Nogales forced another turnover when Isaac Guzman intercepted Jake Welsh II. 

Gatsbee scored his third TD of the game. This one from 65-yards out making it 21-3 after a two-point conversion. 

Cal’s other quarterback, Isaac Reynoso, was thrown out of bounds on the two-yard line while time expired in the first half. 

The Nobles took it to the air to start off the second half. Venegas found an open Tyron Walker from 22-yards out making it 28-3.

Cal scored on their next possession when junior Judah Romero pounded it into the end zone from eight yads out. The extra point was blocked. 

Nogales wasted no time as Gastbee found the end zone for the fourth time when he ran the kickoff back 85-yards putting the game at 34-9 with 11:32 left in the fourth quarter.

Romero found the end zone for the second time making it 34-15. Isaiah Rivera set up the score with an 82-yard reception. Cal forced a punt and Welsh II found Soto in the back of the end zone. It was too late though as the Nobles recovered the onside kick and take a few knees to end the game 34-23.

Gatsbee finished with seven carries for 181 yards 3 scores and two receptions for 28 yards and his 85-yard kick return touchdown. 

The Condors’ Romero had 138 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns. Welsh II was 10 of 16 for 150 yards a touchdown pass and interception. 

Nogales will travel to face Sierra Vista next week while Cal will head home and face Sunny Hills.