South Bay Game of the Week Preview: Otay Ranch 44, Hilltop 13

The writing may have been on the wall for the Hilltop Lancers, who traveled to Otay Ranch to take on the Mustangs on Friday. The Lancers entered the contest without their star quarterback, Daniel Sanchez (torn ACL and meniscus) and their star running back, Brighton Madarang (back injury), and subsequently – and perhaps not surprisingly – lost 44-13 to the Mustangs.

Mustang running back Dorsey Furlow scored two rushing touchdowns in the first half. Adrian Rodriguez scored one of his own on a punt return.

Hilltop got on the board in the third quarter when backup quarterback Alex Tejeda hooked up with Luis Hernandez. But the Mustangs would not be denied as they widened the lead with another passing touchdown to Adrian Rodriguez and rushing touchdowns by Eric Matos and Malik Williams.

Mustang fans were totally aware of Hilltop’s two injured stars. Said one fan, “We would have preferred to beat them with their best, but we’ll take the win.”  

One interesting footnote…former Charger Mike Goff is now a coach for Hilltop…he says he loves high school football….especially the raw emotion!