A fall classic tradition. Oakdale and Sonora clash in late August. This time the century old rivalry took place at Dunlavy Field in Sonora on Friday night, Aug. 28. That night the Mustangs defense forced four turnovers and held the Wildcats to just 28 yards passing in a 21-9 road win.
“Winning the turnover battle was huge for us tonight,” said Oakdale head coach Garrett Martin. “Obviously the defense contributed in a monster way tonight and that was the difference.”
On the opening drive of the night, Sonora marched down to the Mustang 32-yard line. With 10:39 remaining in the first quarter, Oakdale’s Evan Krum recovered a fumble. Later on in the drive, quarterback Christian Amerine picked up a first down on fourth-and-one from the Mustang 39-yard line as he ran up the middle for a six yard pick up to keep the drive alive. Two plays later, Andres Ruiz scored the first points of the season on a 53-yard rushing touchdown, with the point after good, that gave Oakdale a 7-0 advantage with 7:37 left in the first quarter. Less than two minutes later, Krum recovered his second fumble at the Mustang 21-yard line. Oakdale led 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Oakdale got the turnover on downs when the Wildcats could not convert on fourth-and-nine from the Mustang 29-yard line with 3:04 remaining in the half. Sonora ended the half with a 32-yard field goal to make it a 7-3 game at halftime.
The Mustangs came out of the locker room with a spark in their offense as they scored on a 54-yard connection from Amerine to Ruiz, point after good, to make it a 14-3 game with 10:02 to go in the third quarter. This was the only completion of the game for Amerine who went 1-for-3 and was sacked three times. He did rush the ball five times for a dozen yards.
Minutes later Sonora countered with a 60-yard rushing touchdown by George Renault, however the point after attempt was blocked making it a 14-9 game with 7:31 to go in the third quarter. Oakdale was not fazed by this as they answered back with a 65-yard rushing touchdown by Ruiz, point after good, with 5:33 to play in the third quarter. This was the final score of the evening as the fourth quarter was scoreless.
Ruiz finished the night with five carries for 107 rushing yards. He also added a 54-yard reception. The Mustangs’ rushing attack also consisted of Anthony Navarro who ran for 145 yards on 28 carries.
“It’s always great to come into Sonora and get a win. We know we have things to work out and get ready for next week,” Coach Martin said.
This Friday night, Oakdale will host Lincoln of Stockton. Lincoln lost 33-14 to Jesuit in their season opener. Kickoff for the Sept. 4 contest is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Oakdale’s junior varsity battled to an 8-7 victory over Sonora on the road, and will host Lincoln on Friday night at 5 p.m.
