Orange Says Good Riddance After Loss to El Modena

Orange High School played its farewell game against El Modena Friday night. But for the Panthers, it doubtless was more like good riddance.

The Panthers, who will be leaving the Century League after this season, have perennially been routed by league powers such as the Vanguards. And this game, in front of a El Modena homecoming crowd of 4,000 at Fred Kelly Stadium, was no exception, with Vanguard running back Ross Bauer rushing for 208 yards and 4 touchdowns as El Modena trounced Orange, 39-0.

The Vanguards settled the outcome for all intents and purposes in the first half, taking a commanding 26-0 lead at halftime. During the first half, El Modena scored on every possession but one, while Orange could only manage one first down. The Vanguards outgained the Panthers during the first two periods, 233-29.

Each of El Modena’s first three scores were one-yard runs by Bauer. His third came at 3:58 of the second quarter, giving the Vanguards a 19-0 lead before they had attempted their first pass.

In the first half alone, Bauer gained 162 yards on 14 carries.

With 1:15 left in the period, El Modena regained possession at the Panther 49. Vanguard quarterback Chris Gallego then proceeded to throw his first four passes of the game, the last one a 27-yard scoring strike to wide receiver Rick Stillman.

Bauer’s final touchdown, a two-yard carry at 7:07 of the third quarter, was his last rushing attempt of the game.

The Vanguards’ last score came early in the fourth period, when El Modena linebacker Peppi Jezek returned an Orange fumble 18 yards for a touchdown.

Despite the lopsided score, Orange Coach S.K. Johnson was fairly pleased with his team’s performance, noting that his starting quarterback, Mike Stock, was unable to play because of a shoulder separation he suffered in practice.

“I’m proud of the kids,” Johnson said. “There are other teams who lost to El Modena a lot worse with their starting quarterback. I think the kids played one of their better games of the season, considering the circumstances.”