Jereme Schumacher intercepted Josh Nunes at the goal line for the 4th interception of the game for the Cougars, clinching a 21-7 victory. Rancho Cucamonga finished 13-0-1, its first undefeated season in school history, and wins its first CIF title since 1999. Upland finishes 11-3.
Upland drove to the Cougars’ 23, but a 4th-and-12 pass was intercepted by Justyn Wysinger, who returned it 30 yards to the Rancho 40. 2:46 left now with the Cougars up 21-7.
The Highlanders still are struggling to get anything going, having to punt in a fourth-and-long situation from their own 40. They pinned Rancho inside its 10, but with 6:54 left and the Cougars up 21-7, time is running out on the Highlanders as they take over at the Cougars’ 45 after a short Rancho punt.
Greg Watson hit Randal Telfer on a fade route for a 9-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the fourth quarter, putting the Cougars up 21-7 with 11:55 remaining in the game.
Rancho still up 14-7, facing a third-and-goal from the Upland 9. Oh yeah, they are counting the 50/50 money behind me. If I’m lucky and can finagle some cash, drinks are on me tonight. I’ll keep you posted.
Upland fumbled on a dive play at its own 23, which sophomore linebacker Kiki Kauvaka recovered, giving the Cougars prime field position in an attempt to grab a two-score lead. Just over a minute left in the third now.
After a sweet 25-yard pass from Greg Watson to Matt Roberts on third and long gave the Cougars a first down, Rancho crapped out and had to punt. However, Darren Rigsby pinned the Highlanders on their own 7. Upland is trying to get out of the shadow of its own goal line now, down 14-7 with 2:47 left in the third.
After a couple of first downs, the Highlanders were forced to punt, a punt that was partially blocked by junior defensive back Chayz Holt. Rancho now has the ball near midfield, up 14-7 with 7:30 left in the third.
Rancho Cucamonga junior defensive tackle River Harris apparently also plays the trumpet as well as playing football. Harris, a 6-foot, 220-pounder, was in full uniform (except the helmet of course) marching and playing that trumpet with the rest of the Cougar band at halftime.
Also, Berwick’s injury is a lower leg break, likely the fibia or tibia. Apparently Berwick is trying to tough it out and watch the rest of the game prior to going to the hospital.
Second half is about to start. Upland to receive.
This is what I got from the people actually keeping track of this stuff:
Upland – 6 first downs, 139 total yards
Josh Nunes – 7 for 17, 63 yards, 2 INTs
Davion Fleming – 8 rushes, 64 yards, 1 TDs
Gianni Olivas – 2 catches, 20 yards
Rancho Cucamonga – 7 first downs, 168 total yards
Greg Watson – 6 of 9, 74 yards; 4 carries, 21 yards, 1 TD
Charles Saseun – 2 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD
Irshad Stolden – 2 catches, 42 yards
Also, junior center Gary Berwick apparently broke his leg in the second quarter, which obviously puts him out of commission for the rest of the game. Rancho has already had a couple of high center snaps in his absence, so its something that bears watching in the second half.