COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Rancho Santiago 30, Pasadena 21--The Dons (6-1) extended their winning streak to six consecutive in a Mission Conference game at the Santa Ana Bowl.

The key play of the game came in the third quarter with the Dons leading, 10-6. After the Lancers (2-4-1) intercepted a Simon Fuentes pass on their 39-yard line, they moved the ball to Rancho Santiago’s 20-yard line. But then quarterback Joe Phears’ pass was intercepted by linebacker Mike Fulton, who returned it 40 yards to Pasadena’s 35-yard line.

With the momentum on their side, the Dons moved the ball to the nine-yard line where Fuentes connected with wide receiver Jon Daniels in the corner of the end zone to put Rancho Santiago up, 17-6, with 22 seconds left in the third quarter.

The Don defense came up strong on the next series, forcing a Lancer punt. After a 39-yard punt return by Roy Mendoza, the Dons gained 24 yards in two plays, capped off by a Ernest Wilson six-yard touchdown run with 13:45 remaining in the game to take a 24-6 lead.

Wilson finished the game with 109 yards on 12 carries and two touchdowns.

Defensive back James Stewart halted another Lancer drive with an interception and 45 yard return to the Pasadena five-yard line. Three plays later, Kevin Pola scored on a one-yard run, giving the Dons a 30-6 lead with 10:55 left in the game.

Pasadena was able to score two late touchdowns on long passes. Phears connected with Gavin Peries on a 49-yard touchdown with 7:03 left, and 46-yards scoring pass to Z Hodges with 1:38 remaining. Phears finished the game completing 23 of 46 passes for 318 yards.