El Dorado Rallies to Beat Gabrielino for First Win of Year

El Dorado scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to pull out a 17-6 nonleague victory Friday over previously unbeaten San Gabriel Gabrielino at East Los Angeles College.

With 11 minutes 3 seconds remaining in the game and Gabrielino leading, 6-3, linebacker Greg Vickers intercepted a pass at his own 15-yard line. Golden Hawk running back Jeff Mathison scored from the one-yard line with 5:31 left to cap a 15-play drive and put El Dorado ahead, 10-6.

The Golden Hawks held Gabrielino (4-1) on its ensuing possession and the Eagles were forced to punt. Greg Reece fielded the punt at his 35 and returned it 53 yards to the Gabrielino 12. On third and goal, quarterback Brian Zurhellen hit running back Chris Thomas with a four-yard touchdown pass, sealing the victory.

El Dorado (1-4) controlled the ball in the first half, picking up 175 yards in total offense while allowing Gabrielino only 50 yards rushing.

Mistakes plagued the Golden Hawks in the first half and they could manage only three points on a 33-yard field goal by Zurhellen.

Gabrielino scored with 4:18 remaining in the half on a 16-yard pass from quarterback Jeremy Sanchez to wide receiver Oscar Ruiz.

Running back P.J. McNiff led El Dorado with 161 yards in 22 carries. Zurhellen finished with 56 yards in five completions.