October 4, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

PHOTOS: Esperanza battles back in second half to capture road win over Westminster

Esperanza’s senior running back Aaron Forsgren takes off for a long gain after eluding a couple of Westminster defenders during Friday night’s game at Boswell Field. (Photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

By ALEX SUAREZ

For OC Sports Zone

Esperanza’s High School football team achieved its second consecutive victory defeating Westminster 27-14 in a non-league game Friday night at Westminster.

The Aztecs made key adjustments after halftime to record the win after trailing by seven. 

“You have to be able to adjust, you have to be flexible,” said Esperanza Coach Jason Presley. “The kids did a great job on the scouting report, understanding and listening. They were able to execute and adjust well.” 

In the fourth quarter, sophomore quarterback Travis Frazier entered the game for Esperanza and immediately connected with junior wide receiver Coen Ali for a 15-yard touchdown pass. 

“Having the opportunity to lead my team is really great to step up and do the things that I needed to do,” said Frazier. “They all gave me the support I needed to help us go out and get the win tonight.” 

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Frazier finished the night completing all six of his passes for 77 yards and a touchdown. Junior wide receiver Edward Khutsishvili was the leading receiver for the Aztecs with 91 yards on five catches. 

An 86-yard touchdown run from senior running back Aaron Forsgren added on to the Aztecs lead late in the fourth quarter. Forsgren finished the game with 135 rushing yards and a touchdown. Esperanza (3-2) heads into their bye week looking to get healthy before starting league play. 

“We’re limping into a bye week, then the gauntlet begins,” said Presley. “All these guys have traditions of success. We’re doing everything that we can to move these boys into the right place.”

Senior quarterback Benny Burns opened the scoring for Westminster with a 1-yard quarterback sneak late in the second quarter. Burns finished the night with 135 passing yards, a passing TD, 23 rushing yards and a touchdown. Junior tight end Ethan Cedillo caught a 25-yard touchdown pass for the Lions to tie the game at 14 in the fourth quarter. 

Westminster coach Steven Anderson expressed pride in how the team battled despite the outcome.

“We had a lot of guys step up tonight and we battled,” Anderson said. “Our execution was there but to only put up 14. We need to limit penalties and turnovers that can kill our momentum and take us out of position.”

Westminster (3-2) will take on Cerritos High School next Friday at home in a non-league matchup. 

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