Sonora Defeats La Habra for the First Time Since 1979

LA HABRA — Sonora ended a 14-year drought by beating La Habra, 24-12, as the teams opened Freeway League play Friday at La Habra High.

Sonora fans celebrated the Raiders’ first victory over the Highlanders since 1979 by pouring onto the field as the final seconds ticked away and surrounding the team at midfield. Sonora Coach Mark Takkinen was excited, but he seemed more relieved at finally breaking the streak.

“This takes away 14 years of guys busting their butts and not winning,” Takkinen said. “Maybe this makes up for it.”

Junior running back Shawn Brass led the Raiders (3-3, 1-0) with 168 yards and one touchdown in 18 carries.

Sonora scored first on Sam Escobar’s two-yard touchdown run with 40 seconds remaining in the first quarter. Wes Hale’s 45-yard field goal put Sonora up, 10-6, at halftime.

The third quarter saw three touchdowns scored in a span of 1 minute 44 seconds. Escobar, who added 92 yards rushing, scored his second touchdown of the night on a four-yard run, putting Sonora ahead, 17-6.

But the Highlanders (2-4, 0-1) scored on their next play from scrimmage, as running back Johnny Yoo hooked up with Will McIntosh on a halfback option pass for an 80-yard Highlander touchdown.

Three plays later, Brass scored a 39-yard touchdown on a reverse, stopping La Habra’s momentum.