Esperanza Starts Quickly Against Indio

Less than three minutes into its season-opener against Indio High, Esperanza scored 14 points without benefit of a play from scrimmage, and Indio seemingly didn’t realize these games actually count .

Things held to form thereafter, as the Aztecs routed Indio, 36-7, Thursday night at Valencia High in front of approximately 1,200.

Esperanza’s domination of the Rajahs was thorough and, at times, spectacular.

Senior tailback Dahrin Footman kicked off the Aztecs’ fine night by taking the opening kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown. Jason Florence’s kick gave the Aztecs a 7-0 lead with 11 minutes 39 seconds left to play in the opening quarter.

“I was scared before the game,” Footman said. “I was really doubting myself. I didn’t know if I’d be able to do anything tonight, but I took that kickoff and I was gone. That was a great way to start.”

And that quick strike was quickly followed.

Junior defensive end Brian Bachhuber rambled 16 yards with 9:54 left in the first quarter for the Aztecs’ second touchdown. It came after Rajah running back Mike Duran fumbled on the third play of his team’s first possession. Florence’s second kick provided Esperanza with a 14-0 cushion.

But Esperanza wasn’t finished.

Aztec senior quarterback Chris Stretch completed 11 of 15 passes for 190 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. Footman gained 105 yards in 16 carries.

“Stretch played real well and we got some big plays,” Esperanza Coach Gary Meek said. “But we still have to get a lot better.”