Nogales Claims Montview League Title with 29-0 Victory Over Ontario

Nogales High School secured the Montview League title with a decisive 29-0 victory over Ontario on March 15, 2024. This triumph marks the Nobles’ first league championship since 2018 and their first winning season since 2017. The team finished the season with a record of 7-3 overall and 5-0 in league play, showcasing significant improvement.

The Nobles’ coach, Matt Villasenor, expressed pride in the team’s achievement. “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 stated. Villasenor noted that this marks the first time the Nobles have qualified for the playoffs in consecutive years since 2017 and 2018. As the CIF Southern Section playoff pairings are set to be announced, the team is optimistic about securing a home game.

The Nobles wasted no time establishing control of the game. Senior quarterback Santino Garcia connected with sophomore Isaac Guzman for a 75-yard touchdown pass just 44 seconds into the first quarter, setting the tone for the match. Garcia completed eight of ten passes for 123 yards and a touchdown, demonstrating his efficiency under pressure.

The team benefited from an early break when a bad snap during an attempted punt by Ontario resulted in a safety, giving the Nobles a 9-0 lead. Following that, senior Orlando Zamora capped a 59-yard scoring drive with a 16-yard touchdown run, further extending the lead. Zamora was a standout performer, rushing for 109 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries.

As the Nobles prepared for the extra point following the second touchdown, an unexpected event occurred: the stadium lights went out. “Some people were saying that we turned the lights out after we scored,” Zamora joked after the game. “Winning a title feels great. We haven’t done that in a long time.” After a delay of approximately 45 minutes, the lights were restored, and Noah Lopez successfully kicked the extra point to make it 16-0.

During the delay, the coaches from both teams agreed to continue with a running clock to expedite the game. Jeremiah Budnovich, head coach of Ontario, noted, “We wanted to get out of here with no injuries and be ready for the playoffs next week.”

Despite the setback, Ontario’s sophomore quarterback Trevor Beltran put forth a commendable effort, but the Nobles’ defense, led by Steven Aguilar and Christian Flores, effectively contained the Jaguars’ offense.

As the game progressed, the Nobles continued to dominate, with Nathan Estrada returning a punt 43 yards to set up another scoring opportunity at the Jaguars’ 20-yard line. Fabian Rangel concluded the scoring with a 14-yard run, solidifying the Nobles’ commanding victory.

Budnovich’s efforts in his second year as head coach have revitalized the Jaguars, leading them to their first winning season since 2008 after a challenging previous year.

As the playoffs approach, both teams will look to build on their successes, with the Nobles aiming to extend their remarkable season and the Jaguars preparing to make their own mark.