(Moreno Valley, CA) Sept 1, 2014 Michael Gibson II

Battle of the Torch

In what many have thought to be the high school football game of the week within the Inland Empire, the Rancho Verde Mustangs and the Citrus Hill Hawks had an epic showdown and took it down to the wire. Both teams are among some of the best squads this year within the Southern Section and it showed on the field Friday night.

The two teams went back and forth all night; leaving all their energy out on the field and giving the fans more than they expected. Heading into the 4^th quarter Citrus Hill held a small lead of 27-21 over Rancho Verde. The lead was quickly erased when quarterback Sheriron Jones threw a 20-yard pass to Cedric Peterson for a touchdown that brought the score to 28-27 followed by the PAT with 11 minutes remaining in the game. With around 5 minutes left in the game Sheriron Jones hooked up with Cedric Peterson once again for a 5-yard touchdown pass, which increased the Rancho Verde lead 34-27. The lead remained and the score persisted after the failed PAT attempt. Shortly after the two minute warning Jerrel Brown of Citrus Hill threw a touchdown pass of 10 yards to Jacoby Herring while adding an extra point that tied the game 34-34. With the ball and with under two minutes left in the midst of a roaring crowd; Rancho Verde showed poise and guts in their last drive, which ended with a last second field goal, by Alberto Coria that won the game for the Mustangs 37-34.

Next week Citrus Hill will look to rebound after a difficult loss by hosting Murrieta Valley at Citrus Hill High School and Rancho Verde will look to keep the magic flowing against Murrieta Mesa at Rancho Verde High School.

Twitter: @MichaelGibsonII