Sonora dominates second half to edge Yorba Linda

Sonora senior Steven Riley jumps to catch a pass during Friday's nonleague game against Yorba Linda at La Habra.
Yorba Linda junior Mason Winter tries to shake off Sonora senior Ben Kim during Friday's nonleague game at La Habra.
Sonora senior Jacob Fimbres runs through Yorba Linda defenders during Friday's nonleague game at La Habra.
Yorba Linda players celebrate from the sidelines during Friday's nonleague game against Sonora at La Habra.
Sonora senior Cole McDonald scans the field as he looks to pass during Friday's nonleague game against Yorba Linda at La Habra.
Yorba Linda senior Matt Laoretti is taken down by Sonora senior Ben Kim during Friday's nonleague game at La Habra.
Sonora sophomore Landon Williams celebrates a holding call against Yorba Linda during Friday's nonleague game at La Habra.
Sonora senior Jacob Fimbres tries to escape Yorba Linda defenders during Friday's nonleague game at La Habra.
A Sonora fan cheers during a game against Yorba Linda at La Habra.
Yorba Linda junior Mason Winter runs the ball during Friday's nonleague game against Sonora at La Habra.
Yorba Linda fans stand to cheer on the Mustangs against Sonora during Friday's nonleague game at La Habra.
The Yorba Linda defense celebrates sacking Sonora quarterback Cole McDonald during Friday's nonleague game at La Habra.

By Lou Ponsi | Correspondent / Orange County Register

September 18, 2015 at 11:50 p.m.

LA HABRA – Sonora shut out Yorba Linda in the second half and overcame a 12-point halftime deficit for a 25-22 nonleague victory at La Habra High on Friday night.

The victory keeps the Raiders (4-0) undefeated with one nonleague game remaining before they begin play in the Freeway League.

Raiders quarterback Cole McDonald hit Steven Riley with a 48-yard touchdown pass with 3:03 left in the game in what proved to be the winning play.

At 6 feet, 8 inches, Riley was a challenge to cover and finished with 10 catches for 172 yards, including five receptions of at least 20 yards.

“That was great to see him go and get that ball, not just (on the touchdown) but all night,” Sonora coach Paul Chiotti said. “He really got aggressive.”

Things didn’t start out so well for the Raiders.

McDonald was tackled in the end zone for a safety on Sonora’s first possession.

Yorba Linda quarterback Kamren Freck connected with Zack Sowder on second-quarter touchdown passes of 34 and 21 yards to help put the Mustangs (1-2) ahead, 22-10 going into halftime.

But the second half belonged to the Raiders.

McDonald scored on a 30-yard run to make the score 22-17.

The Raiders defense then made a big stop on a fourth-and-goal from the 2.

That helped set the stage for Riley’s touchdown.

Contact the writer: lponsi@ocregister.com