El Modena Upends Fullerton, 15-14

In a surprise ending for two of Orange County’s surprise football teams, El Modena’s Adam Lancisero scored on a two-point conversion with one minute 35 seconds to play to give the Vanguards a 15-14 victory over previously unbeaten Fullerton Thursday at El Modena.

El Modena (4-1) trailed, 14-7, when it began its final drive from its own five-yard line with 6:13 to play. Quarterback Kevin Brown hit receiver Jerard Rabb with a crucial 22-yard pass on third down to keep the drive alive, then hit Rabb again for a 25-yard touchdown pass on fourth and 20.

The Vanguards lined up for the extra point, but an offside penalty on Fullerton--and a little cajoling from the crowd--convinced El Modena Coach Jason Hitchens to go for two.

“I was a little concerned about the kids psychologically going into league with a loss, and a tie would have been a moral victory for us,” Hitchens said. “But after the offsides call, it was pretty much settled that we would try to go for the win.”

For Lancisero, who came into the game with 546 yards rushing this season, the winning two-point conversion was vindication after he gained only three yards in seven carries during the game.

“I just kept moving my legs until I got in,” he said. “I just thank my line.”

Fullerton (4-1) built a 14-0 lead on two touchdown passes from quarterback Michael Echaves, a 16-yard strike to Daniel Fells in the first quarter and the a nine-yard pass to Matt Loyd with 45 seconds remaining in the first half.

The Indians lost running back Ryan Murray to an injury shortly before their second touchdown. Murray (73 yards in 11 carries) didn’t return, and Fullerton’s offense struggled without him.