Big first quarter leads to Stallions loss
Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune
Madera South’s Jaden Contreras tries to elude a Golden West defender in the second half Friday.
The Golden West-Visalia Trailblazers capitalized on a 35-point first half to beat the Madera South Stallions 49-22 at Memorial Stadium.
After a lopsided loss last week to the Kerman Lions, the Stallions hoped for a better outcome Friday night. but couldn’t overcome the early onslaught by the Trailblazers.
The Stallions, in the midst of a culture change, have fought for every blade of grass this season. However, things haven’t gone their way and it has been frustrating, Madera South head coach Matt Johnson said.
“We’re learning a hard lesson,” Johnson said. “But it’s just every play, every down — pay attention to details. They had a pretty good week of practice and we’re playing a lot of young guys. I hope they stick in this game and realize we will turn this thing around. It’s just painful — at some point the kids got to get one (a win).”
Golden West’s Christian Ortiz rushed for 166 yards on 15 carries, including a touchdown in a dominant performance on the ground. His effort was helped by brothers Michael and Lonnie Wessel, who combined for four touchdowns.
Matthew Posas led the Stallions with 118 yards on the ground, with a touchdown. Posas also had an 80-yard kickoff return for a score. Quarterback Jaden Cisneros also chipped in with an 80-yard run that ended in the end zone.
Madera South opened the game with a burst of energy that led to an opening six points. The Stallions got the ball to open the game with Posas waiting anxiously for the start.
Posas caught the ball near the 20-yard line and immediately bolted up the field. It was a team effort as Posas followed his blockers before he broke loose. Posas took the ball 80 yards to not only score, but also bring the Stallions’ faithful into a frenzy.
It was a perfect start for the Stallions, however it wouldn’t last long. The Trailblazers opened their first drive with a 46-yard touchdown pass from Tyson Sandri to Joziah Washington. They tacked on 21 more points behind the Wessel brothers’ three touchdowns.
Madera South came out after halftime and put up 15 points.
After a quarterback change from Joel Galvan to Cisneros, the Stallions showed some life.
Cisneros called his own number down 35-7. Cisneros broke a Trailblazer tackle before galloping 80 yards down the field for a momentum-boosting touchdown.
Cisneros entered the game and gave the Stallions a pulse. Posas followed suit with a 60-yard touchdown run on the following drive. Posas flashed his strength and also his speed with his second touchdown of the night.
Madera South converted the two-point conversion after Cisneros ran it in himself.
The Stallions trailed 35-22, but the Trailblazers scored two more touchdowns to end the comeback attempt.
Madera South plays at Fresno in McLane Stadium on Friday.
