Esperanza Extends Win Streak to 18

Jason Long’s two interceptions and Garrick Emry’s running helped Esperanza defeat Long Beach Jordan, 24-12, in a nonleague football game Friday night at Jordan High School.

Esperanza, ranked third in Orange County, extended its winning streak to 18 games, dating back to last year’s Division III championship season. Emry led the Aztecs in rushing with 127 yards, scoring on a one-yard touchdown with 3 minutes 37 seconds left in the third quarter.

Esperanza Coach Gary Meek said the Aztecs’ defense kept them in the game.

“Our defense played well stopping Jordan’s option (88 yards in 27 carries) and forcing it to throw,” he said. “These were the keys to the game.”

Esperanza scored in the first quarter on a 50-yard pass from Josh Bufcaglio to Ryan Corbett. Jeff Gaeta ran 13 yards around the left tackle with 9:39 in the second quarter for the Aztecs’ second score.

Long intercepted Jordan’s Johnny Nansen in the end zone with 46 seconds left in the second quarter. He also picked off Nansen at the Esperanza 34 with final 2:35 left.

“Giving up cheap touchdowns, throwing an interception in the end zone and not scoring in the second half hurt us,” Jordan Coach Mike Ono said.

Jordan scored its first touchdown with 45 seconds left in the third quarter with a 50-yard pass from Nansen to Jerome Henderson. Nansen and Jordan also scored again early in the fourth quarter with a three-yard pass. Nansen completed 15 of 26 passes for 158 yards for Jordan (1-3).

Clay King, who kicked three extra points for Esperanza, also kicked a 34-yard field goal in the final 3:18 seconds of the fourth quarter.