IRWINDALE — In a dramatic season opener, the Rio Hondo Prep football team overcame an early struggle and secured a 20-9 victory against Schurr, despite losing star running back Noah Penunri to injury. Penunri exited the game late in the second quarter and was transported via ambulance for further evaluation, leaving fans and teammates concerned.
After a sluggish start, Rio Hondo Prep rallied in the second half, showcasing resilience and depth in their roster. Head coach Mark Carson expressed optimism about Penunri’s condition, stating, “He’s going to be fine, we think. Just taking precautions, they wanted to take him in.” His departure, however, did not deter the Kares, who managed to maintain their composure and secure the win.
Team Resilience Shines Through
Following Penunri’s exit, the Kares demonstrated remarkable teamwork. Calogero Chico stepped up significantly, rushing for over 100 yards and scoring a touchdown. His performance was pivotal in keeping the Kares’ offense alive. “Noah is the core of our team,” Chico noted. “To see him go down, everybody felt it. We took it personally. We weren’t going to lose him and lose the game.”
Despite a defensive stalemate in the first half, where both teams combined for fewer than 10 points, the Kares managed to break through just before halftime. With less than a minute remaining, Yanick Diaz completed a 37-yard touchdown pass to Elias Har, putting Rio Hondo Prep ahead 6-3.
The second half began with a fumble on the Kares’ first play from scrimmage, but their defense held strong, preventing Schurr from capitalizing on the misstep. Coach Carson praised the defensive unit, saying, “We call that sudden change … our defense did a great job because that could’ve been a turning point in the game.” This resilience allowed Rio Hondo Prep to regain momentum.
Key Plays Seal the Victory
Shortly after regaining control, Chico made a significant impact, carrying the ball 63 yards for a touchdown that extended the Kares’ lead to 13-3 in the third quarter. The final blow came from Tyler Dang, who sealed the victory with a 50-yard touchdown run with just over five minutes left in the game.
On the opposing side, Schurr’s coach Austin Montoya acknowledged his team’s challenges, particularly with a freshman quarterback and new starters on the offensive line. “I think we looked like we had a freshman quarterback and four brand new starters along the offensive line. We couldn’t get out of our own way,” he remarked.
As the season progresses, Schurr faces a tough challenge next week, hosting La Serna. Meanwhile, Rio Hondo Prep will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Quartz Hill.
The match highlighted both the triumphs and tribulations of high school football, showcasing the spirit of teamwork and the capacity for resilience in the face of adversity.