Loara Stops Two-Game Skid by Hammering El Modena

ORANGE — The Loara High football team got back on track by defeating El Modena, 40-16, Thursday night at El Modena High.

Loara (3-2), which had dropped its last two games after a 2-0 start, got 215 yards passing and two touchdowns from quarterback Archie Lappin. Lappin also had a team-high 59 yards rushing and the Saxons never let the Vanguards (1-4) get into contention.

“I think our offense really kept the heat on them,” Loara Coach John deFries said.

The Saxons built a 40-0 lead before the Vanguards were able to score two second-half touchdowns. Lappin scored the game’s first touchdown on a 38-yard run up the middle on Loara’s first possession. Loara scored touchdowns on its first six drives.

Loara began its second possession its nine-yard line and consumed most of the first quarter. On the first play of the second quarter, Lappin scored on a keeper, giving the Saxons a 12-0 lead.

An interception by Loara linebacker Greg deFries set up the Saxons’ third touchdown, a seven-yard option run by running back John Duhon. Duhon ran in the extra point for a 20-0 Loara lead. A fumble recovery by Alexander Tran on El Modena’s next possession set up Loara again at the Vanguard 33. This time the Saxons struck quickly. Lappin hit Mike Morales with a touchdown pass on the next play.