Fewell Fuels Esperanza to Victory Over El Dorado

Justin Fewell rushed for two touchdowns to lead sixth-ranked Esperanza to a 21-7 victory over El Dorado in an Empire League opener Friday at Valencia High School.

The Aztecs (4-2, 1-0 in league) overcame another lackluster performance on offense and were forced to rely on their defense most of the game. The defense recovered three Golden Hawk fumbles and did not allow a touchdown.

El Dorado (2-4, 0-1) scored on a 57-yard interception return by Alex Molnar in the third quarter.

“Our offense didn’t play very well,” Aztec Coach Gary Meek said. “We’re not throwing the ball consistently and we didn’t break off any long runs tonight.”

Esperanza quarterback Chris Stretch completed only four of 13 passes for 44 yards before being pulled in the third quarter.

The Aztecs took a 7-0 lead with 3 minutes 43 seconds left in the first half when Fewell scored from one yard. Molnar fumbled on the first play of the next series and Jason Murrieta recovered at the El Dorado 16.

Three plays later, Tom Tape scored on a five-yard run to make it 14-0.

After Molnar’s interception return made it 14-7, Esperanza recovered a high snap on a punt attempt at the El Dorado two. Fewell punched it over from there for a 21-7 lead.

Esperanza’s Dahrin Footman led all rushers with 90 yards in 16 carries.