RIVERSIDE – Beckman rallied in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough as Rubidoux’s running game proved the difference in a 41-26 victory in the second round of the CIF-SS Division 10 playoffs.
Patriot quarterback Dean Nagle threw two touchdown passes to I’jon Akahi to cut a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to 34-26 with 4:49 left. But Rubidoux (12-0) blocked the extra point on the second touchdown and added a touchdown to pad its lead when quarterback Jonathan Garibay scored from a yard out.
The Falcons, known for their running game, overcame an early 6-0 Patriots lead with three straight touchdowns – two by Jose Berumen and another by Isaac Sanchez. Beckman (7-5) closed the half with some momentum when Nagle hit Akahi for a touchdown with 18 seconds left before the break.
Nagle continued to attack the Rubidoux defense in what proved to be a contrast in styles. While Rubidoux was satisfied to run the ball, Nagle put the ball in the air 49 times and finished with 342 yards passing and three touchdowns. Akahi also added a rushing touchdown on the game’s first series. He finished with 126 yards receiving and 57 yards rushing.
But the Falcons had more balance, with Sanchez finishing with 153 yards, Berumen running for 111 and Abel Olvera adding 91.
Beckman was able to rally in last week’s win over Santa Fe, but Rubidoux proved too strong at the end, especially running ball.
“That’s what we do,” Rubidoux coach Patrick Thompson said. “We pound the rock.”
