Local High School Gridiron Teams Struggle in Week 5

LA PUENTE – Rowland’s running back tandem of Eric Egere and Jacob Bingham proved to be too much to handle as the Raiders ran past the hosts Nogales Nobles 24-21 in their annual “Battle of the Tracks” game Friday night.

Both ran for over 100 yards and scored a touchdown each. (Egere had 160, and Bingham had 139 yards, respectively.)

However, the Raiders (2-3) also had three fumbles lost which kept Nogales in the game.

A controversial decision at the end of the first half allowed Rowland to kick a field goal which turned out to be the difference. The referee gave Rowland one more possession when the game clock apparently showed no time remaining.

Jeremiah Serrano once again led Nogales (2-3) in rushing. Although Nogales could not get anything going, he was able to tally 51 yards on 13 rushes and a touchdown.

Backup quarterback Andrew Vargas added 35 yards on five carries and a touchdown, and Ivan Ordaz chipped in 39 yards. But it was his prowress on Defense is what gave Nogales a chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter.

Vargas replaced the starter Caesar Garcia, who was injured in practice on Tuesday.

“He (Andrew) offers us a different skill set. He is more mobile and runs better,” head coach Gus Martinez said. “We are very happy with his efforts. As he get more reps he should be able to run the whole playbook.”

Nogales had one last chance to drive down the field and get a chance to tie the game with a field goal, but were unable to convert. Ordaz tackled Egere for a loss in very good field position on a fourth down to set up the Nobles’ final drive.

“We were able to come back from adversity and make the big plays,” Martinez said of his team’s resolve. “Im really proud of the boys especially in a rivalry game.”

Nogales travels to Montclair next Friday. Kickoff is at 7pm

“Montclair is another good team, we are going to have our hands full,” Martinez said.

Other Scores:

Diamond Ranch 0, Glendora 35

Walnut 13, Montclair 6

Thursday’s scores:

Diamond Bar 19, Katella 39

More photos from the game.