Nogales Claims Montview League Title with Dominant 29-0 Win

LA PUENTE – In a commanding performance, the Nogales Nobles secured their first Montview League title since 2018, defeating the Ontario Jaguars 29-0 on Thursday night. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Nobles, who finished the regular season with a record of 7-3 and an impressive 5-0 in league play.

Coach Matt Villasenor expressed pride in the team’s accomplishment, stating, “Bringing the title back to Nogales says a lot about the kids, the coaching staff, and everyone else who has put so much work into the program.” He added that this is the first back-to-back playoff appearance for the Nobles since 2017 and 2018.

As the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section playoff pairings are set to be announced on Sunday, the Nobles are hopeful for a home game. They are projected to compete in Division 13, although final placements will depend on their performance in the HSratings computer rankings.

The Nobles wasted no time asserting their dominance on the field, scoring less than a minute into the game. Senior quarterback Santino Garcia connected with sophomore Isaac Guzman for a spectacular 75-yard touchdown pass at the 11:16 mark of the first quarter. “We kind of take what they give us,” Villasenor noted, emphasizing the team’s adaptability.

The Nobles’ strong start continued as a mishap on a punt by Ontario resulted in a safety, giving Nogales a 9-0 lead. Senior Orlando Zamora capped off a 59-yard scoring drive with a 16-yard touchdown run, showcasing the power of the Nobles’ offensive line. Zamora finished the night with 109 yards on nine carries and two touchdowns, leading the team to victory.

In an unexpected turn, the stadium lights went out as the Nobles prepared for an extra point attempt, prompting a delay of approximately 45 minutes. Zamora humorously remarked, “Some people were saying that we turned the lights out after we scored.” Once the lights were restored, Noah Lopez successfully kicked the extra point, bringing the score to 16-0.

During the delay, both coaches agreed to implement a running clock for the remainder of the game to ensure player safety and readiness for the upcoming playoffs. Jaguars coach Jeremiah Budnovich, in his second year at the helm, noted the importance of avoiding injuries while acknowledging the progress his team has made, having turned around a 2-8 record from the previous year. This marks Ontario’s first winning season since 2008.

Despite a solid performance from sophomore quarterback Trevor Beltran, the Jaguars struggled against a formidable Nobles defense, led by players like Steven Aguilar and Christian Flores.

With this victory, the Nobles not only celebrate a league title but also look ahead to the playoffs with renewed determination and hope for continued success.