Hawkins Romps for Nordhoff

Before his team’s Southern Section Division IX quarterfinal Friday night against St. Anthony High, Nordhoff Coach Cliff Farrar had anticipated a close game based on the films he had seen.

He must have seen the wrong films. Senior running back Josh Hawkins, one of the area’s leading rushers, romped for 256 yards in 15 carries and scored three touchdowns as the Rangers (9-3) beat the Saints (9-3) at Clark Field, 35-6.

In the semifinals next Saturday, Nordhoff will face Santa Ynez.

Hawkins scored on runs of 12, 97 and 62 yards. Running back Dallan Rigby added 88 yards in 11 carries, including a 47-yard touchdown.

Hawkins also had an interception. Quarterback Mike Gardia completed four of nine passes for 49 yards.

The Ranger defense intercepted two of quarterback Josh Zak’s passes and sacked him six times. Zak, who also lost a fumble, completed 16 of 24 for 264 yards and one touchdown.

Hawkins scored two touchdowns in the first half as Nordhoff had a 21-0 lead at intermission. He then added a 62-yard romp in the third quarter for a 28-0 lead. The Rangers racked up 417 yards in offense, including 368 on the ground.

“We are really excited about our defensive performance,” Farrar said. “We made big plays at the right times.”