PREP FOOTBALL ‘93: Century League : FACTS AND FIGURES : 1992 in Review

Orange wallowed during nonleague play. The Panthers then won a share of the league championship.

Such was the Century League a year ago, as parity kept the race for the three playoff spots close.

El Modena and Orange tied for the league title, but, three weeks into league play, four teams were within 1 1/2 games. Foothill lost its first two league games, then won three in a row to finish third.

For close shaves, nothing could beat Orange, which won a share of the league title for the second consecutive season.

After losing three of five nonleague games, Orange turned it around by winning its first three league games by a total of 14 points. The Panthers’ closest game was their most important one.

Orange appeared to survive an El Modena rally when the Panthers stopped a two-point conversion try with a little more than a minute left to preserve a 14-13 lead.

But the Vanguards recovered an onside kick and drove to within field-goal range at the 22. El Modena went one play too many, however, as Matt Mitchell’s pass was tipped, then intercepted by Orange linebacker Jacob Garza.

Orange lost its season finale to Villa Park, which cost the Panthers sole possession of first place.

The co-champions split player of the year honors as well, with El Modena running back Ernie Wilson named on offense and Orange’s Andre Holmes selected on defense.

Orange and El Modena reached the second round of the Division IV playoffs. Foothill reached the semifinals, where the Knights lost to eventual champion Irvine, 35-14.