CHINO HILLS, Calif. — Chino Hills turned a close game into a runaway victory Friday night, scoring 28 unanswered points in the second half to defeat visiting Ayala, 42–7, at Chino Hills High School.
The Huskies entered the matchup with a 2–3 record and held a narrow 14–7 advantage at halftime before their defense and offense took control after the break. The bulldogs entered this matchup looking to put an end to their 23 game losing streak.
Chino Hills quarterback Turner Odell (#3) provided the offense early, rushing for two touchdowns in the first half. The Huskies also overcame an early fumble that resulted in a turnover.
Ayala answered in the second quarter when Anthony Gonzalez hauled in a deep 37-yard touchdown pass to pull the Bulldogs within seven. Chino Hills had an opportunity to add to its lead before halftime, but its field-goal attempt came up short.
The game changed dramatically in the third quarter.
Ayala went for it on fourth down but failed to convert, giving Chino Hills both possession and momentum. The Huskies capitalized, eventually pushing the ball into the end zone on a fourth-and-goal run up the middle to extend their lead.
Ayala was dealt another setback when Mason Eligio suffered a leg injury and was forced to leave the game.
The Huskies’ defense continued to dictate the pace. After another Ayala fourth-down attempt came up short on fourth-and-2. Chino Hills pressures their way to the Ayala 5-yard line and Running Back William Bryant (#20) takes advantage, battles it out, and scores for yet again, another touchdown.
Ayala receives the ball to comeback from this nightmare, but Chino Hills defense was something you just can’t break. Ayala falls short and kicks off to Chino Hills.
Odell then connected with freshman Mikey Williams Jr. on a deep 26-yard touchdown pass, giving the Huskies another score and further separating the teams.
Williams Jr., wearing No. 80, continued what became a breakout night for Chino Hills. The freshman is the son of former USC and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Mikey Williams.
Chino Hills carried its momentum into the fourth quarter.
Ayala put together its strongest drive of the second half, moving the ball down to the Chino Hills 20-yard line. But the Huskies’ defense again came up with a critical stop. Marcus Kalta (#2) intercepted the ensuing pass, ending the threat and giving Chino Hills another opportunity to add to its lead.
The Huskies took advantage.
Ian Hasanoff (#4) broke to the left for a touchdown, followed by another scoring run from Aiden Ashton (#36.) The final touchdown sent the home crowd into a frenzy and capped a 28-point second half for Chino Hills.
What had been a competitive 14–7 game at halftime had become a 42–7 Huskies victory by the final whistle.
For Chino Hills, the win provided a strong response after a 2–3 start to the season. The Huskies’ second-half performance was defined by timely defensive stops, fourth-down stands and an offense that consistently turned those opportunities into points.
Chino Hills is set to hit the road against the Damien Spartans. Both enter this matchup with a record of 3-3. Damien coming off a tough loss from Servite will put in their best effort.
Nathaniel A. Marquez via Prestige Sports Media.
