Estancia Scores Twice in Final Minutes to Win

Estancia isn’t headed for the playoffs, but somebody must have forgotten to tell the Eagles.

They played every bit like a team fighting for its life against University, scoring two touchdowns in the final five minutes to beat the Trojans, 13-12, Friday in a Pacific Coast League game.

“What a way to end the season,” Estancia Coach John Liebengood said. “I just wish we were going to the playoffs.”

The Eagles (4-5-1, 2-3) scored the winning touchdown with 17 seconds remaining when James Dawkins swept right into the end zone from 10 yards.

Dawkins also capped a 63-yard scoring drive just minutes before with a 13-yard touchdown run.

Estancia had to turn to its rushing game after starting quarterback Justin Wolter broke his left leg late in the first half.

Backup Peter Nunez’s only pass was intercepted.

“We knew we were going to have to run,” Liebengood said. “I pulled every running play I could out of my hat.”

Dawkins finished with 123 yards in 30 carries, and Manu Tanielu rushed 19 times for 108 yards.

University (1-8-1, 1-4), which built its 12-0 lead on two field goals by Chris Gray and an eight-yard keeper by quarterback Damian DeFeo, fumbled on Estancia’s goal line early in the fourth quarter.

“We score a touchdown there and that’s the game,” University Coach Mark Cunningham said. “This is just a bad season. This game only highlights that fact.”

DeFeo completed eight of 21 passes for 134 yards. His favorite receiver was Jeff Albinio, who caught four passes for 68 yards.

University’s Daniel Tadych rushed 14 times for 96 yards.