El Modena Moves Up by Edging Orange
El Modena improved its chances of making the playoffs by defeating Orange, 14-11, in a Century League football game Thursday at El Modena.
After trailing, 3-0, at halftime, the Vanguards (3-6, 2-2) scored on the first possession of the second half. Orange was penalized twice for unsportsmanlike conduct on the drive and Charlie Williams scored the go-ahead touchdown on an 11-yard sweep.
The Vanguards stretched the lead to 14-3 early in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Matt Garcia scored on a 48-yard bootleg, after eluding a Panther defender at the 15.
Orange (3-6, 1-3) had all kinds of problems: an interception here, a fumble there and penalties everywhere. The Panthers were penalized eight times for 100 yards.
The Panthers, who scored on a late safety, were able to move the ball but couldn’t get in the end zone. Their only touchdown came on a three-yard run by Chance Perry with 48 seconds left in the game. Perry rushed for 96 yards and caught seven passes for 77 yards.
El Modena Coach Steve Howard said the game was a breakthrough for the Vanguards. “We just finally didn’t self-destruct,” he said. “The kids played a great game. We’re in line [for a playoff spot]. We’ve got to win next week to guarantee it.”
El Modena will finish the regular season against Villa Park next Friday.
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