Sonora Beats University in Battle of Turnovers

Despite four turnovers, Sonora posted a 14-3 nonleague victory over University Friday night at Irvine High.

The Raiders (2-2) fumbled the ball away twice and quarterback Kevin Rodriguez was intercepted twice.

University (1-3) outgained Sonora in total yards, 180-156, but was plagued by five turnovers--three fumbles and two interceptions.

The teams traded turnovers late in the first half.

University’s Bryant Geary intercepted a pass at the University one-yard line. But on the next play from scrimmage the Trojans Alan Price fumbled the ball away.

Sonora recovered on the one. Two plays later, Sam Escobar recovered an errant pitch to him and scored to give the Raiders a 7-0 lead with 2 minutes 21 seconds left in the second quarter.

In the third quarter, Mark Gonzalez returned a punt 50 yards for a touchdown to put Sonora ahead, 14-0, with 10:33 left.

University scored when Charles Thompson kicked a 32-yard field goal with 1:14 left in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 14-3.

Rodriguez completed five of 12 passes for 104 yards.

University was led by Tucker Highfield, who rushed for 106 yards in 16 carries.

The Trojans rotated two quarterbacks. Starter Adam Fuller competed two of seven passes for six yards, and Kirk Howe, who played in the second half, completed two of five passes for 11 yards.