Upland unstoppable in 31-17 win over Rancho
Thomas R. Cordova/Staff Photographer
Whether it's Friday night or 2011 in question, the same blanket statement applies to the Upland High School football team. It can't be stopped.
The latest triumph for a Highlanders team ranked fourth in the state was a 31-17 victory over defending Baseline League champion Rancho Cucamonga, which had won the last four meetings between the premier Inland Valley programs.
The Highlanders (7-0, 2-0), ranked No. 3 in the CIF-SS Inland Division, two spots ahead of the Cougars, punted just twice Friday night in a battle of undefeated teams that featured a Rancho Cucamonga defense that had allowed 43 points this season entering the game. Upland rolled up 381 yards of offense, scored touchdowns on its first two possessions and scored three of the final four times it had the ball.
"They've got an offense that does a lot of tricky things, shifts and different things to throw you off," Rancho Cucamonga coach Nick Baiz said. "We were hoping they would line up and try to smash us from the beginning, like they did at the end of the game."
Coming off a 71-yard outing in a narrow victory over Etiwanda in the season opener, Upland running back Donta Abron finished with 152 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. With Upland holding a late two-touchdown lead, seven of Abron's carries and 37 of his yards came on Upland's final drive that lasted 3:27 but ended in a missed 35-yard field goal.
Highlanders quarterback Nate Romine completed 11 of 18 passes for 174 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. With 386 total yards, Rancho Cucamonga (6-1, 1-1) wasn't at a loss for offense but every time it would climb back into the game, the Upland offense would deliver a crushing blow.
Rancho Cucamonga and quarterback Dimitri Morales, who threw for 136 yards rushed for 116, appeared ready to trade blows with a 12-play, 74-yard march in an effort to tie the game at 14. But running back Tyan Washington, who had 107 yards, never got the exchange from Morales at the Upland 4-yard line. The Highlanders recovered the fumble and never let Rancho Cucamonga get closer than seven points.
"That was the big momentum changer," Baiz said. "We score there and we're probably tied at halftime."
Instead Upland converted a 43-yard field goal as the half expired to take a 17-7 lead.
A 65-yard touchdown reception by Upland receiver Kenny Lawler, who had four catches for 87 yards, killed any momentum gained by a Rancho Cucamonga field goal to open the second half.
The Cougars answered with an 80-yard touchdown drive but Upland was able to respond with the help of an Rancho Cucamonga offsides penalty on fourth-and-four at the Cougars' 32-yard line that extended a 12-play touchdown drive that made the score 31-17 with 10:17 to play.
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About Clay
Clay Fowler has been covering high school sports for six years in California and Texas. He was born in Dallas, attended the University of Texas and worked in Central Texas before joining the Daily Bulletin staff in 2006.
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Just like I thought, the best game yet. Upland prevailed, Rancho was by far the toughest opponent yet. Just goes to show you that IE teams get no respect. Maybe this will open everyones eyes!