Magnolia’s Running Game Too Much for Bolsa Grande

Magnolia used a powerful running game and some timely defense to defeat Bolsa Grande, 18-13, Friday night in a nonleague game at Bolsa Grande High.

The Sentinels (1-1) rushed for a season-high 252 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns capped by George Martinez’s game winner, a 10-yard run with six minutes and 50 seconds left.

Magnolia’s defense played well in the clutch, stopping Bolsa Grande quarterback Doug Baughman on a fourth and one at the Magnolia 13-yard line on a quarterback keeper with 58 seconds to play.

Bolsa Grande (1-1) scored on its first possession, driving 73 yards in six plays. Baughman threw a 21-yard pass to Ramon Nevarez with 9:13 left in the quarter.

Magnolia drove 20 yards in six plays after a 40-yard punt return by Martinez. Running back Sam Uai scored on a three-yard run, pulling Magnolia to 7-6 after a missed extra point attempt.

Will Speer gave Magnolia a 12-7 lead on a five-yard run with 52 seconds left in the first half. A two-point conversion failed. Bolsa Grande regained the lead on the first play of the fourth quarter on a one-yard dive by Baughman.

Baughman completed 20 of 33 passes for 223 yards, including seven to receiver Sam Baeder for 106 yards.