YORBA LINDA – Esperanza’s 26-21 homecoming victory over El Modena on Friday night at Yorba Linda High meant much more to the Aztecs and their faithful than your ordinary game.
The Aztecs’ Anthony Koclanakis recovered an El Modena fumble at their own 11-yard line with just over three minutes to go to seal the victory after a back-and-forth second half that saw the Vanguards convert four fourth-down attempts to record their two second-half scores.
But it was running back Brett Mullins, swapping his usual No. 23 for the retired No. 30, that had his entire program psyched up.
Coach Gary Bowers chose Mullins to wear the number in honor of 2007 graduate Rick Centanni, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010 while serving in the U.S. Marines.
Centanni’s father John was in attendance and was said to be touched by the gesture.
“When I got the text (from Bowers) I got goosebumps and was honored that I would be wearing the number of a true American hero that gave his life for our country,” Mullins said. “It pumped all of us up and the offensive line was especially moved and did a great job tonight.”
Mullins finished with 75 yards and teammate Patrick Campos ran for 190 yards and two 1-yard touchdowns for the Aztecs.
Esperanza quarterback Trevor Markowitz ran 10 yards for a score and hit Jake Tobin with a 43-yard scoring strike with 41 seconds to go in the third quarter to give the Aztecs (2-4) a 26-14 lead.
El Modena (2-4), which got two 2-yard touchdown runs from Dillon Keefe, closed it to 26-21 on a 27-yard pass from Garrett Gramm to Patrick Marzoliono with 6:43 to play.
Frank Salinas had 172 yards on 30 carries for El Modena.
“I couldn’t have picked another guy to wear Rick’s number, because Brett is the heart and soul of our football team,” Bowers said. “He represents everything that Rick would be proud of and we’re happy to have won this in his honor.”
