Rancho Verde closes the gap on Colton, 26-14

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Rancho Verde is just a couple red-zone turnovers away from making its Central Division quarterfinal against host Colton a real thriller. That said, there’s still plenty of time to turn it into a classic.

Travell Washington scored his fourth touchdown of the first half with 2 minutes 45 seconds remaining to give the Yellowjackets a 26-14 halftime lead.

On the ensuing drive, Rancho Verde took a big risk, going for it on fourth and two at its own 30, but quarterback Justin Salazar, who isn’t the speediest guy, rambled eight yards on a sneak. Too bad the Mustangs didn’t capitalize, as Salazar was intercepted in the end zone two plays later by BYU-bound safety Daniel Sorenson with 1:30 left in the half.

Colton then tried a couple of gimmick plays, the first when the team was huddling near the sideline and the center ran over and snapped the ball sideways to Washington, who ran for about 30 yards, but the play was called back on a holding penality (Yes, there’s been an excessive number of flags tonight too).

The Yellowjackets reached back into their bag of tricks a couple plays later, trying a double pass from Sorenson, who played quarterback earlier this season, but the ball was intercepted by Deshawn Grayson.
So, Sorenson has an interception and has committed a turnover, and Grayson has an interception and committed a turnover. The biggest difference was Grayson’s fumble was returned 95 yards for a touchdown.

Rancho Verde gets the ball to start the second half and I expect the Mustangs to get some points off the drive. They’re actually the better-looking team tonight, it’s just those red-zone turnovers.

By the way, USC-bound offensive left tackle Tyron Smith of Rancho Verde is keeping UCLA-bound defensive end Damien Holmes of Colton real quiet tonight. Now, if the Mustangs can just put a muzzle on that Washington kid.

-- Dan Arritt