Ontario's Matthew Bell closes in on Baker runner Rasean Jones (8), during first half action of their game Friday, Sept. 23. (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)
Schools

Baker escapes close call against Ontario in weekend prep football action

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ONTARIO – An onside kick off recovery by Ontario to start the third quarter propelled a furious second half comeback bid against Baker Friday night but the Tigers eventually came up short, losing the nonleague contest 41-40.

Down 28-12 at halftime, the onside kick set up an Ontario score early in the third quarter to slice the Baker margin to 28-20 and the remainder of the game was a seesaw contest where each team traded momentum.

“We were always within a score at that point. The kids started to get some confidence and the passing game started to open up,” said Ontario coach Greg Simmons.

Ontario receiver Matt Bell finished the night with 10 catches for 137 yards and a touchdown. Tiger quarterback Diego Rodriguez was 23 of 34 for 220 yards and two touchdowns while Ethan Hendrickson rushed for 76 yards on 17 carries and three touchdowns.

Diego Rodriguez was 23 of 34 for 220 yards and 2 TD’s. He had 13 rushes for 54 yards.

Ontario (2-2) will face Vale (2-2) Friday night at home. The Vikings enter the game coming off a 55-12 nonleague loss to Melba Sept. 23.

The Vikings faced Melba with several starters out nursing injuries.

“It was one of those games where we got behind early and the harder we tried, the worse it got,” said Vale coach Jeff Aldred.

Aldred and Simmons said they expect the Friday night matchup to be a good one.

“It will be a game of momentum. Whoever establishes themselves early and holds on to the momentum will win the game,” said Aldred.

Simmons said Vale will be a tough opponent.

“They are always in the playoffs and were in the semifinals last year and those kids know how to win,” said Simmons.

Game time at Ontario High School is 7 p.m.

News tip? Contact reporter Pat Caldwell at [email protected]

Ontario’s Miguel Gonzalez (66) and Tristan Gomez (20) race after a Baker runner during their game Friday, Sept. 23. (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)
Ontario’s Theodore Frahm (12) pulls down Baker’s Hudson Spike (13) during their game Sept. 23 at Ontario High School. (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)
Ontairo’s Matteo Delgado (2) tries to avoid a trio of Baker tacklers. (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)
Ontario’s Ethan Hendrickson (4) dodges past Baker tacklers. (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)
Baker’s Kayden Garvin (2) grabs Ontario’s Matthew Bell (8) for the tackle Friday, Sept. 23. (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)
Baker’s Jaxon Logsdon tries to slip past Ontario’s Matthew Bell (8) during the second quarter of their game Friday, Sept. 23. (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)
Baker’s Jaxon Logsdon (4) is tackled by Ontario’s Matteo Delgado (2). (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)
Ontario’s Ricardo Bovadilla (58) and Abel Perez (50) wrap up a Baker runner. (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)
Diego Rodriguez (3) scrambles away from a group of Baker tacklers. (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)
Ontario’s Ethan Hendrickson (4) runs straight ahead as his offensive line sets up blocks in a game against Baker Friday, Sept. 23. (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)
Ontario’s Matteo Delgado (2) reaches out to stop a Baker player during their game Friday, Sept. 23. (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)
Ontario’s Ethan Hendrickson (4) is tackled by three Baker players during their game Friday, Sept. 23. (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)
Ontario’s Matthew Bell (8) is brought down by a Baker player. (The Enterprise/PAT CALDWELL)

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