YORBA LINDA – A couple of clutch interceptions, including one by Yorba Linda’s Michael Mossett in the final minute of the game, were the difference in the Mustangs’ 14-9 victory over El Dorado in a nonleague game Friday at Yorba Linda High.
Trailing by 5, The Golden Hawks started their final drive on their own 20 with three minutes remaining in the game.
El Dorado picked up good yards on every play and was helped by a personal foul on Yorba Linda (2-2).
The Hawks (0-4) faced first-and-5 from the Yorba Linda 12, when Mossett intercepted Dominick Martinez’s pass in the end zone with 57 seconds left to save the game for the Mustangs.
Minutes earlier, the Hawks had a third-and-goal from the 8 when Brandon Barrera picked off Martinez at the 1.
“They made some plays at the end there,” Yorba Linda coach Jeff Bailey said. “That’s how you win. We’ve got to make some more plays so it’s not so close.”
Yorba Linda’s defense also turned in a momentum-changing series in the second quarter.
The Mustangs were leading, 7-6, and had possession when an interception and 51-yard return by Aaron Richardson gave El Dorado the ball on the Yorba Linda 10.
Yorba Linda’s defense yielded only a yard on three plays and El Dorado had to settle for a 25-yard field goal.
Then, on the ensuing kickoff, a 53-yard return from Brandon Hailey gave Yorba Linda possession on the Hawks’ 32.
Three plays later, Mossett’s 7-yard touchdown run put Yorba Linda ahead for good.
The Mustangs’ victory overshadowed a solid performance from Martinez, who completed 12 of 23 passes for 117 yards and rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.
Yorba Linda quarterback Jake Gigliotti ran for 86 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.
Contact the writer: lponsi@ocregister.com
