El Modena starts fast and coasts to 44-7 non-league victory over Brea Olinda

El Modena coaches talk to the Vanguards after Thursday’s win. (Photos: Alex Suarez, For OC Sports Zone).

By ALEX SUAREZ

For OC Sports Zone

El Modena’s High School’s football team started fast and went on to defeat Brea Olinda 44-7 in a non-league matchup Thursday night at Fred Kelly Stadium. 

The Vanguards (3-3) had a dominant first quarter where they scored 28 points.

“Obviously last week we didn’t get off to a good start so it was a point of emphasis on starting fast,” said El Modena Coach Matt Mitchell. “Trying to execute from the start, play smart and be better.”

Junior running back Brodie Hitchens initiated the scoring with a 65-yard touchdown run on the game’s second play. Hitchens led the Vanguards with a total of 98 rushing yards on nine carries. 

Senior Trent Vallejos retrieved a punt by Brea Olinda and returned it for an 85-yard touchdown, giving the Vanguards an early 14-point lead in the first quarter.

“I was blocking my guy, came back and saw nobody was grabbing it,” Vallejos said. “I just grabbed it and had great blocks down the field. I had no intention of grabbing the ball until the last second.” 

EL Modena’s junior quarterback Xzavior Guess concluded the game with 120 passing yards and 65 rushing yards, along with two rushing touchdowns. 

“I thought we played well today on offense, moving the ball however we wanted to,” said Guess. “Able to run and pass the ball today, missed on a couple of deep balls, but we’ll clean up on those in practice next week.” 

El Modena will seek to maintain momentum and keep pushing as it faces Yorba Linda Friday on the road. 

“We’ve been trying to practice better and I think we have,” Mitchell said. “Keep our foot on the gas and just keep doing what we’re doing and just keep getting better.”

Brea Olinda (4-2) scored a 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, courtesy of junior running back Nathan Aceves. Aceves led the team in rushing yards with 108 on 21 carries. Junior quarterback Cullen Doyle threw for a total of 105 yards on 25 attempts.

Brea Olinda will host Canyon next Friday in its final non-league matchup of the season.

For best view, click on the photo:

El Modena junior quarterback Xzavior Guess (left) and senior wide receiver/outside linebacker Trent Vallejos after the game.