Eisenhower Defeats Fontana

While the balance of power may have shifted in the Citrus Belt League, the Fontana-Rialto Eisenhower rivalry remains one of the strongest in Southern Section football. It was proven again Friday night.

With new power A.B. Miller playing both teams the next two weeks, Eisenhower used a long touchdown pass and two-fourth quarter field goals by Jonathan Palmer to defeat Fontana, 24-20, at Eisenhower.

Ronald Noyola’s 50-yard scoring pass to Tyjuan Mayfield at the end of the third quarter was one of two touchdowns he threw. He ran for another.

“Me and Tyjuan haven’t really connected this year,” Noyola said. “He was one-on-one and I just threw it up there.”

Mayfield had the big catch and also the play of the game on defense.

With 4:20 left in the game and Fontana down, 21-20, the Pirates (5-2, 1-1) were driving for the winning score. However, Mayfield recovered a fumble at the Eisenhower 29.

The Eagles (7-0, 2-0) ran down the clock and set up Palmer’s 48-yard kick with 52 seconds left.

Terriel Hall intercepted Pirate quarterback Scott Sheppard’s first pass after the field goal to seal the victory.

Sheppard passed for 225 yards but was sacked seven times.

Running back Marquis Starks had 154 yards on the ground for Fontana, which outgained Eisenhower, 433-237.

Fontana plays A.B. Miller next week before Eisenhower plays Miller on Nov. 6.

Noyola said the Eagles will be ready.

“We are 7-0. I couldn’t ask for anything more,” he said. “We’re confident now that we know our team’s as good as Fontana.”