COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOWL GAMES : Los Angeles Valley Surprises Rancho Santiago

COSTA MESA —  Rancho Santiago’s season ended Saturday the way it began nearly three months ago--with a loss.

The Dons, who had won nine in a row after losing the season opener, were defeated by Los Angeles Valley, 36-28, in the Simple Green Orange County Bowl at Orange Coast College.

Rancho Santiago (9-2) was ranked sixth in the nation, and Valley (10-1) was 16th.

“I told our kids they were champions no matter how today ended,” Rancho Santiago Coach Dave Ogas said. “But you have to give the credit to Los Angeles Valley’s defense. To be honest, they played better than we thought they could.”

Valley scored three touchdowns in a 1-minute 33-second span early in the third quarter to open a 27-14 lead. But Rancho Santiago still had a chance to win midway through the fourth quarter.

The Dons cut the lead to 30-28 when Ernie Wilson, who rushed for 92 yards, scored his third touchdown, from the one with 6:15 to play.

Rancho Santiago’s defense forced Valley into a third-and-32 situation after an incomplete pass, a holding call and a sack by defensive end Dustin Williams. Valley then ran a halfback option, with running back Davis Delmatoff throwing deep over the middle, trying to hit Brian Comer. Three Don defenders converged, and Ed Young knocked away the ball, but the Dons’ celebration was cut short when pass interference was called, giving Valley a first down.

“That killed us,” Ogas said. “It absolutely killed us. Our defense had them stopped, and we had the momentum.”

Valley’s drive continued, and the Monarchs eventually scored on a six-yard pass from quarterback Jim Arellanes to wide receiver Cameron Perry with 2:48 remaining. Rancho Santiago’s James Stewart blocked the extra-point attempt, and the Monarchs led, 36-28. Stewart also had two interceptions, and the Dons scored after the change of possession on each.

Rancho Santiago had a chance to tie, but its final drive ended at the Valley 45 when quarterback Simon Fuentes’ fourth-down pass intended for Hector Flores was broken up. Fuentes finished 24 for 33 for 268 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception.

Flores also had a big game, catching 10 passes for 109 yards.

But neither could match Arellanes, who was named player of the game. He was 26 for 38 for 425 yards and five touchdowns. His completions, touchdown passes and passing yards were all game records.

Comer and Flores tied game records with 10 catches each, and Comer set a record for receiving yardage with 205.