Esperanza Excels on All Fronts in Rout
PLACENTIA — That colossus known as the Esperanza football team devoured another opponent Thursday night.
The Aztecs pummeled and punished St. John Bosco in a nonleague game at Valencia High. They scored with offense, they scored with defense and they scored with special teams.
When the dust settled, Esperanza had a 56-14 victory, which served notice to future opponents, namely Empire League rival Los Alamitos, Orange County’s No. 1-ranked team.
“Our plan was to out-physical them tonight,” defensive back Jeff Swanson said. “And we did.”
Indeed.
The Aztecs, ranked second in the county, rolled up 350 yards rushing behind their veteran offensive line.
A week ago, that unit sputtered in a 24-0 victory over Santa Ana Valley. The Braves were the ones who paid for that inconsistency. Travis Kirschke, Travis Pulliam and Co. opened gaping holes in the St. John Bosco defensive front.
“We started slow last week, so it was important for us to come out and move it,” Kirschke said.
Said running back Bill Ross: “Boy, it’s easy to run when there’s nothing but grass in front of you.”
Ross benefited the most from the blocking. He gained 150 yards in 11 carries and scored three touchdowns.
A year ago, all Ross could do was watch. He was sidelined by a separated shoulder, which required surgery.
“I worked my butt off to get ready,” Ross said. “I didn’t want to sit my senior year.”
He scored on a three-yard run to give the Aztecs (3-0) a 7-0 lead. He also had touchdown runs of 57 and 11 yards.
Dahrin Footman gained 67 yards rushing and Tom Joyner had 52.
Defensively, the Aztecs gave up their first points of the season. But they also provided some scoring.
Swanson returned a blocked punt 10 yards for a touchdown. Three plays later, he scooped up a fumble and went 27 yards for a touchdown to give the Aztecs a 28-0 lead late in the first quarter.
