El Dorado moves closer to Century title

TUSTIN El Dorado is one victory from its third consecutive Century League title after its 20-3 triumph over Tustin on Saturday night at Tustin High.

The Golden Hawks (8-1, 4-0), who struggled with penalties after halftime in a scoreless second half, are sure to work on it during practice next week.

“(After the first drive) we came out strong in the first half,” El Dorado quarterback Kane Wilson said. “The passing game was working well. Then in the second half we came out flat. I think we were thinking about the league championship too much. Our heads weren’t into it.”

Tustin forced a fumble on El Dorado’s opening drive, taking over at the Hawks 25. However, the Tillers (4-5, 2-2) couldn’t punch in and had to settle for a Santo Sepulveda 22-yard field goal.

El Dorado answered with Devin Deleon’s 2-yard touchdown run to lead, 6-3. On the Hawks’ next drive, Wilson broke free for a 51-yard touchdown run, sprinting down the left sideline before cutting back to the middle of the field to put his team ahead, 13-3.

With just under five minutes before halftime, Wilson connected with Nolan Sheldon on a 17-yard touchdown pass and the Hawks led, 20-3.

Tustin controlled field position in the second half, keeping the Hawks pinned deep in its territory. The Tillers marched inside the El Dorado 10 early in the fourth, but turned the ball over on downs.

The Hawks completed only one pass in the second half and were hurt by a combination of holding penalties and dropped passes.

“We have to be more disciplined,” Wilson said. “That’s all.”
 

Contact the writer: ctobolski@ocregiter.com