Sonora Wins First League Game in Two Seasons

Sonora capitalized on six Buena Park turnovers to win its first Freeway League game in two years by defeating the Coyotes, 34-12, Friday at Buena Park High.

The Raiders’ defense, led by Josh Gonzalez, Remi Rodriguez, and Nathan Fitzgerald, shut down the Buena Park running game.

“Our defense forced the turnovers and our offense capitalized,” said Sonora Coach Mark Takkinen. “Our offense controlled the ball and kept them off the field.”

Sonora took the lead midway through the second quarter as quarterback Nick Ross capped a 13-play, 76-yard scoring drive with a one-yard run.

With 47 seconds remaining in the first-half, a critical Buena Park miscue led to Sonora’s second touchdown. On fourth down with the Coyotes in punt formation, the ball was hiked over the head of punter Ricardo Torres into the end zone. Instead of taking a safety, Torres elected to run it out and was tackled at the three. Two plays later, David Villagomez scored from three yards.

Sonora scored three times in the final quarter to pull away.

Ross scored on touchdown runs from one and four yards and sophomore running back David Mayfield added a 15-yard scoring run to complete the Raiders’ scoring.