Buena Park, Barrios Win Battle of the Running Backs

Despite 229 yards in penalties, Friday night’s Beuna Park-Savanna game managed to display what was expected: two top-notch running backs.

Savanna’s Jeff Ragos gave his team the early lead, but it was Buena Park’s Angel Barrios whose team came out on top. Barrios rushed for 165 yards, 112 in the second half, and scored twice as the Coyotes defeated Savanna, 28-7.

Savanna (2-2) marched 71 yards on the game’s opening drive, and took a 7-0 lead on a five-yard run by Ragos. Ragos finished the game with 107 yards rushing.

Buena Park (3-1) suffered several missed opportunities in the first half.

But the Coyotes dominated the second half, mostly because of of Barrios. He gave Buena Park its first lead with a four-yard plunge late in the third quarter.

Savanna drove right back, finally stalling on fourth-and-one at midfield.

The Rebels chose to punt, and Savanna Coach Fred DiPalma had second thoughts later.

“You have to make a choice and we thought we’d be better off trying to pin them deep in their own territory,” he said.

That strategy failed. Buena Park needed only five plays to drive 80 yards for the clinching score.