Lobo Offense Comes to Life Just in Time

Quarterback Ape Tuato ran for two touchdowns to spark a sluggish Los Amigos offense and lead the Lobos to a 16-6 nonleague victory over Century at Garden Grove High.

The Lobos (2-0) led, 3-0, entering the final quarter when Tuato led a six-play, 56-yard drive that culminated in his five-yard scoring run up the middle to make it 10-0 with 9 minutes 30 seconds remaining. Tuato kept the drive alive with a 36-yard down completion to Ryan Martinez on third down.

Century (0-2), which did not advance past the Los Amigos’ 30-yard line until midway through the final quarter, came to life with just under five minutes left, recovering a Lobo fumble near midfield.

The Centurions then drove 47 yards in eight plays, aided by personal foul and offsides penalties. Julio Garcia scored on a one-yard run with 3:50 left, making it 10-6. The two-point conversion pass attempt was incomplete.

Two plays after Los Amigos recovered Century’s onside kickoff attempt, Tuato broke free through the middle of the Centurion defense for a 26-yard touchdown run that put the game out of reach. The junior ended Century’s last drive by intercepting a Stanley Villaneuva pass with under a minute to play.

“We played solid defense tonight,” Los Amigos Coach Steve Bolton said. “Right now, our defense is stronger than the offense. We have a ways to go.”

The Lobos held Century to just 52 net yards rushing and 51 yards passing. However, the Lobos gained just 223 yards themselves, led by running back Noah Tagatauli, who gained 60 yards in 10 carries. Tuato completed seven of 12 passes for 105 yards and was not intercepted.