Tough El Dorado Defense Shuts Down Century, 21-0

A stiff El Dorado defense and a turnover-plagued Century offense added up to a surprisingly easy 21-0 El Dorado victory Friday night at Valencia High School.

With nine starters returning on defense, Century was expected to offer a tough challenge but couldn’t overcome five turnovers, including four lost fumbles.

The Centurion offense wasn’t much help either, gaining only 108 yards, 49 rushing.

“Our defense caused turnovers and was more consistent than our offense,” El Dorado Coach Rick Jones said. “I was pleased with our special teams. They played with great intensity.”

El Dorado drove 59 yards for a first-quarter score, with running back Alex Molnar (101 yards in 20 carries) leading the offense to the two-yard line, setting up fullback Spencer Frost’s touchdown. Molnar kicked the conversion.

David Myers had the first of his two fumble recoveries on the ensuing kickoff return at the Centurion 28-yard line. Golden Hawk quarterback Dan Rogers passed 19 yards to tight end Kevin Haynes and Molnar scored from the seven for a 14-0 El Dorado lead with 11:01 left in the half.

Delonne Kelly recovered another Century fumble on the kickoff, but the Centurion defense, led by John Jones, Zeke Armendarez, Beau Wallace and Jorge Rodriguez, held the Golden Hawk offense until late in the game.

After El Dorado punter Jeff Moore fumbled a snap and was tackled on the Golden Hawk 28-yard line in the third quarter, Century had a chance to rally, but Wallace fumbled a pitch from quarterback Stanley Villanueva and Frost recovered on the 10 to end the threat.

The Golden Hawk offense got untracked in the fourth quarter with a 59-yard drive, culminating with Kelly’s three-yard touchdown run.