WHITTIER – Junior running back Jacob Fimbres rushed for 168 yards on 25 carries with three touchdowns and junior quarterback Cole McDonald had 147 yards on only seven carries with a two touchdowns as Sonora pounded Whittier, 41-15, at California High on Friday night.
McDonald may not have not been the game’s leading rusher, but he had the longest run of the night. The Raiders quarterback’s second touchdown, a 72-yard run with 2:56 remaining in the third quarter, put Sonora (1-0) up, 28-3.
The Raiders’ first score of the contest came on a one-yard run from Fimbres with four seconds into the second to give them a 7-0 lead over the Cardinals (0-1). It was Fimbres’ third consecutive carry in the long, 13-play, 88-yard drive which lasted 4:24.
Sonora would double its advantage in its next opportunity after McDonald’s first touchdown of the game, a 13-yard run, 3:23 into the second quarter to seal a six-play series that went 2:06. McDonald also completed 7 of his 15 passes for 84 yards with an interception.
Whittier responded with a 28-yard field goal from Jorge Vázquez on the following drive with 46 seconds left in the first half, cutting the deficit to 14-3.
Jonathan Rodriguez stood out for the Raiders’ defense, returning an interception 27 yards with 4:36 to play in the game.
The Cardinals tallied their first touchdown of the season when Dylan Salcido connected with Anthony Rios with 33 seconds remaining in the contest.
Rios ended the night with five receptions for 60 yards while Luis Valero led Whittier with three catches for 99 yards and a touchdown.
Sonora will play its first home game of the year on Sept. 6 when It hosts Brea Olinda at 7 p.m. in nonleague play.
