El Dorado Halts Century Comeback

Century’s attempt to come back from a 20-point halftime deficit fell short as El Dorado held on for a 35-21 Empire League football victory Saturday at Santa Ana Stadium.

Trailing, 27-7, Century drove 60 yards in the third quarter, capped by Victor Leite’s three-yard touchdown run to make the score 27-14. The drive was aided by 35 yards in penalties against the El Dorado defense.

El Dorado’s offense was unable to regain the rhythm it displayed in the first half, allowing Century to creep back into the game.

Century pulled to within 27-21 with eight minutes remaining on Celestino Johnson’s over-the-shoulder reception for a 24-yard touchdown on a pass from Joe Rivera.

But El Dorado answered on its next possession, marching 68 yards in seven plays. Greg Reese, who led all rushers with 103 yards in 13 carries, raced eight yards around the left side for the score. A two-point conversion pass from Brian Zurhellen to Dagem Dereje extended the lead to 35-21 with 5 minutes 26 seconds remaining.

Zurhellen completed 14 of 23 passes for 162 yards and three touchdowns for El Dorado. All three touchdown passes came in the second quarter to break a 7-7 tie.