PREP EXTRA / ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL : ROUNDUP : Wilkins Shines on Both Sides of Esperanza Victory

Esperanza overcame a shaky start and defeated Los Angeles Locke, 34-20, in a nonleague football game Friday at Valencia High.

Ryan Wilkins caught two touchdown passes from quarterback Dave Parrish and intercepted two passes to lead the Aztecs.

After Locke (4-1) took a 7-0 lead on a 77-yard touchdown pass from Adam Kinnabrew to Dartae Frierson, Esperanza struck back.

Wilkins caught the first of his touchdown receptions with 5 minutes 35 seconds remaining in the first quarter. Less than 30 seconds later, Aztec defensive tackle Sean Jarne intercepted a pass from Kinnabrew in the end zone for a 14-7 Esperanza lead.

Domonic Moorer’s 23-yard touchdown run got Locke even with 2:39 remaining in the first quarter.

Esperanza (3-2) took the lead for good on two second-quarter field goals by Ryan Clark.

The Aztecs opened the second half by driving 51 yards in four plays, scoring on Wilkins’ 23-yard touchdown reception. Parrish later connected with Todd Brighton on a 25-yard scoring pass.

Donte King scored on a 38-yard touchdown run with 5:54 remaining in the game. Locke was driving before Wilkins’ second interception on the game’s final play.