Sonora Holds Line to Beat Fullerton, 35-28

LA HABRA — Sonora’s Mike Uszenski stopped John Wilkie short of the goal line to give the Raiders a 35-28 victory over Fullerton in a Freeway League game Friday at La Habra High.

It looked as if Sonora (5-3, 2-1 in league) would cruise to an easy victory when Kevin Rodriguez hit Noel Ishikawa with a 23-yard touchdown pass, giving the Raiders a 35-20 lead early in the third quarter.

But costly penalties and turnovers stopped Raiders’ scoring chances and set up a 13-yard touchdown pass from Fullerton quarterback Keith Ginter to Robert Echavarria, making the score 35-28 with 11 minutes 53 seconds left.

The Raiders, who were penalized 12 times for 145 yards, turned the ball over when Joe Steen intercepted a Rodriguez pass. The Indians’ final drive was aided by a pass interference penalty.

Sonora’s Cubby Kelly, who finished with 14 carries for 206 yards, scored two second-quarter touchdowns on 18- and 57-yard runs to give the Raiders a 28-20 halftime lead.

Fullerton (3-5, 0-3) scored first when Ginter returned the opening kickoff 91 yards for an 8-0 lead.

Two plays later, Raider running back Adam Chez scored on a 63-yard run. Sonora scored again on a nine-yard touchdown pass from Rodriguez to Erik Julin, giving the Raiders a 14-8 lead with 5:47 left in first quarter.

Wilkie, who rushed 24 times for 115 yards, scored twice in the second quarter on touchdown runs of five and 25 yards.