Kelly, Defense Loom Large in Sonora’s Victory
The Sonora statistics girl yelled to Cubby Kelly, “Hey, Cubby. You’re listed in the program as ‘Chubby.’ ”
Please, no fat jokes. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound senior running back led Sonora with 91 yards in 14 carries Thursday night and the Sonora defense wasn’t joking around as the Raiders beat La Serna, 20-0, at California High.
“That’s the first time in four or five years we’ve won two straight games,” Sonora Coach Mark Takkinen said. “That’s the best defensive game of the year. The kids are having a lot of fun and the whole school is excited.”
Sonora (3-2) took the opening kickoff and drove 63 yards in 16 plays, taking 8 minutes 59 seconds off the clock. The touchdown came on an Adam Chez four-yard run on a fourth-and-three play.
“The offensive line did a great job,” Takkinen said. “We still have a way to go, but they believe in themselves.”
The Raiders increased their lead to 13-3 just before halftime, when Kevin Rodriguez passed 22 yards to Mark Gonzalez. The score was set up when Marc Patino returned an interception 27 yards.
Sonora put the game away when Albert Lopez intercepted a pass and returned it 27 yards to the La Serna 15. Kelly scored on the next play.
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