SCORE: Trace Wilson (92), left, a defensive lineman with El Dorado, celebrates after picking up a fumble and scoring a touchdown. Teammate Kyle Hamm (59), right, follows close behind LEONARD ORTIZ, OCVARSITY.COM |
It's not pretty, but it's a victory for El Dorado
El Dorado’s defense isn’t up to par, but the Golden Hawks down El Modena.
ORANGE - El Dorado didn’t feel it played up to its standard Monday, but the Golden Hawks were still pleased with the bottom line.
Behind another impressive performance by defensive lineman Anthony Laurenzi and two touchdowns by Kyle Allen, Orange County’s seventh-ranked team defeated El Modena, 38-20, in a rare afternoon game.
El Dorado improved to 7-1 overall and 3-0 in the Century League, but its stout defense allowed a season high for points.
"It was ugly," El Dorado coach Jeff Bailey said. "We weren’t crisp. … (But) we did some good things, too. We made some big plays."
Both teams had limited practice last week because of the fires and poor air quality, and it showed early.
El Modena (5-3, 1-2) didn’t get a punt off in the first quarter, and El Dorado took over at the Vanguard 12. But two plays later, El Dorado lost a fumble.
Laurenzi helped El Dorado look somewhat like itself. The senior defensive tackle recorded his 15th sack, forced a fumble and blocked a field goal.
El Dorado turned Laurenzi’s forced fumble into a touchdown in the first quarter. With the Golden Hawks leading, 7-0, Laurenzi stripped quarterback Lucas Farrell. Fellow lineman Trace Wilson picked up the ball at El Modena’s 9-yard line and returned for the Golden Hawks’ first defensive touchdown of the season.
Laurenzi also played some on the offensive line in the first half because of an injury to a teammate.
"Anthony Laurenzi is legit," El Modena coach Greg Olquin said.
El Dorado’s defense had its share of moments but El Modena running back Ray Holley gave the Golden Hawks trouble. The senior carried the ball 32 times for 159 yards and scored twice.
"He was a really quick runner," Laurenzi said of Holley. "He was hard to tackle."
In the third quarter, Holley helped the Vanguards hold the ball for 9:33 during one possession. But Laurenzi ended the drive by blocking a 30-yard field goal and recovering.
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
