Mules Are Defeated by the Moors

JONATHAN REYNOSA Sports Editor

 For the first five games of the new season they remain undefeated. 

Both the offense and defense have been clicking on all cylinders. Offensively, quarterback Noah Rodriguez and receivers Vito Russel and Cody Chaung have been leading the scoring outbursts.

 In their fourth game against the Wilson Mules, the Moors cruised to their fourth straight win with a score of 35-6. In a game once again primarily controlled by Alhambra, a huge defensive stand out emerged as a key component. Senior Damien Rosa recorded two interceptions and racked up 106 yards to go along with them, leading the Moor’s defense to yet another outstanding performance. 

Offensively, some small yet crucial fixes have been implemented resulting in Rodriguez’s recent efficiency. Rodriguez, a sophomore, threw for 247 yards and completed 18 of his 27 attempts against the Mules, resulting in a completion rate of about 66 percent. Most notably Rodriguez brought his interceptions down to just one in games three and four.

 “Noah has just been staying focused and locked in all season,” senior Marshall Okada said. “He’s always been a great quarterback, but now he’s working to become something more and we all really appreciate his work ethic.”

 Although Rodriguez was a major stand out in this game, the offensive line was silently the remedy to the offensive success. Over the past three games (including this one) the Moor’s offensive line has held up the opposing teams defense and have been able to buy time for their quarterback to make plays.

 “The offensive line has really stepped up and worked to give Noah more time in the pocket.’” Okada said. “He’s been much more poised and looks way more comfortable on each play now and it’s starting to show.” 

Rodriguez’s offensive stat line the past two games exudes efficiency and production which is an asset in a starting quarterback. Wide receivers Russel and Chaung also contributed to the win. Russel recorded five catches and accumulated 89 yards, while Chaung made eight receptions and totaled 114 yards. Running backs Jose Ortiz and Isaac Hernandez also combined for 91 rushing yards . Hernandez contributed 12 carries while Ortiz contributed eight carries.

 After a bye week this week, the Moors will next play against the Spartans on Oct. 4 at Schurr High School.