LA HABRA – Carlos Martin scored a career-high five touchdowns and rushed for 429 yards on 31 carries, but La Habra had to rally late before knocking off a stubborn Ontario Colony team, 55-48, in a nonleague game Friday night at La Habra High.
The Highlanders’ senior running back rushed for a pair of first-quarter touchdowns on runs of 33 and 65 yards. He added an 85-yard TD run and caught a 9-yard TD pass in the third quarter, and capped off his career night when he raced 45 yards up the middle midway through the final quarter to give La Habra (2-3) a 47-28 lead with 10:03 to play.
But the Titans countered with three consecutive touchdowns and took the lead, 48-47, on Ryan Kinard’s 75-yard TD run with 2:43 left. Kinard rushed for 206 yards and three touchdowns.
But Martin came to the Highlanders’ rescue as he produced a crucial 46-yard run to the Titans’ 13-yard line with less than two minutes to play. On the next play, La Habra QB Eric Barriere completed a swing pass to Prince Ross, who fought his way into the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown.
The Highlanders recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff and ran out the clock to seal the win.
“It feels awesome to win this game,” said Martin. “We needed to come back strong after losing to La Mirada last week.”
Martin has scored 12 touchdowns this season.
Colony QB Josh Thompson completed 19 passes for 310 yards and two TDs. He also scored two fourth quarter touchdowns to rally the Titans (3-2).
Defensive end Matt Gonzales recorded three sacks for the Highlanders.
