Local Gridiron Teams Continue to Progress in Young Football Season

Walnut Quarterback Jarred Arellano accounted for all of the Mustangs’ touchdowns, but it was not enough, as Walnut fell to the visiting Nogales Nobles 27-20 Friday night in a non-league encounter.

Nobles head coach Richard Salazar praised his team after the game saying a win is a win, that “winners will find a way to win the game.”

After a scoreless first quarter, it was Arellano’s errant pass that was picked off by James Gray and returned 80 yards for the first points of the game that gave Nogales a quick 7-0 lead with about 1:30 left to go in the half.

Areallno, however would make amends for his error on the next series, taking matters into his own hands (or feet in this case), scoring on an 80-yard keeper to tie the game at 7-7

He finished 8 of 31 for 86 yards and two touchdowns, along with 118 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown.

Nogales retook the lead when Matthew Olguin found Larenzo Williams on a 9-yard scoring pass right before halftime.

Nogales scored twice in the third quarter to take a27-7 lead when Olguin found Chris Ruiz for a 8-yard scoring pass with about five minutes to go in the quarter, and then on a 4-yard pass to James Gray.

“There were some mistakes in the game,” Salazar said, “But I’m happy with the resiliency of the team.”

Walnut made it a game in the fourth quarter. While holding Nogales scoreless, Arellano found Cameron Walker and Isaiah Hall on scoring passes. They had a chance to tie the game, but gave up the ball on downs on its final possession.

Walnut travels to Covina District Field for a 7pm encounter against the Covina Colts Thursday.

Nogales has a bye this week before its matchup against crosstown rival Rowland Raiders next Friday at 7 pm.

“The kids are excited about showcasing this game,” Salazar said.

OTHER SCORES

Diamond Bar 20, Brea Olinda 40

Diamond Ranch 35, Burroughs 7

Photo: Mustangs gets psyched up for the upcoming game