Local Gridiron Teams Open New Season with Mixed Results

LA PUENTE – Local High Schools opened the 2016 season Friday nights highlighted by Nogales’ 43-8 victory over the visiting Garey Vikings. Nogales won four games last season and look to carry over the momentum into the new season.

Matthew Olguin passed for two scores and ran for one more for Nogales who took and early 20-0 lead in the first quarter, scoring three times in the quarter. Olguin finished 9 of 23 for 143 yards and two touchdowns. James gray ran for 86 yards and returned a punt back 60 yards for a score.

After forcing Garey into a three-and-out on its initial drive, Nogales promptly marched down the field, culminating in an Andrew Carrazco's 8-yard run for the first score of the game.

Nogales once again held defensively, forcing a GArey punt, which set up Gray’s scoring return. Olguin then took matters into his own hands, scoring from nine yards out to complete the first quarter scoring barrage.

“I don’t usually look at the score,” head coach Richard Salazar told the team after the game, “but you guys played well today. I’m very proud of you.”

Garey will finally get on the scoreboard late into the second quarter when Daniel Flores found John Rodriguez down the right sideline with a five-yard pass, and also threw another scoring pass for the two-point conversion. This would be all the Vikings could muster as it is all Nogales in the second half when Olguin threw two passes to Larenzo Williams for 25 and 18 yards, respectively.

Nogales visits Ontario next Friday for a 7pm kickoff.

Ontario defeated Nogales last season 37-30 and there are already some bantering going on through social media. Salazar says he isn’t’ going to overlook it saying, “They really want to go after us next week, saying that we are ‘undisciplined and not coached well’ I’m not downplaying it, guys.”

Photos by George Calderon

Other Scores from Area Schools

Diamond Ranch 14, South Hills 7

Walnut 14, Rowland 42

Diamond Bar 28, Alta Lom 48