The Corona del Sol Aztecs rained on the Desert Vista Thunder homecoming parade with an emphatic 45-14 victory. The Aztecs, now 3-6, exploded on offense with all cylinders firing after putting up 35 first half points behind five scores from five different players.
The Aztecs dominated all three phases of the game, and it started quickly as the 6A conference leader is passing yards, Connor Ackerley, found receiver Zuri Glenn on the opening drive for a 38-yard deep pass.That later set up fellow receiver Raiden Vines-Bright for a screen pass that he took 21-yards for the touchdown.
Success is the passing game opened up the running lanes, and on the Aztecs second offensive possession, Crew Swearingen reeled in a 20-yard completion then capped off the drive with a 19-yard rushing score out of the wildcat formation.
On the ensuing offensive possession, Ackerley was able to step up in the pocket and connect with Glenn for a 39-yard strike.
Ackerely again found Vines-Bright across the middle for a gain of 26 before running back Nick Mustacchia punched in Corona’s fourth touchdown of the first half. With 11 ticks on the clock before half, Ackerely found Jai Jones for the 14-yard score.
The Aztecs scored on every offensive possession during the first half. Ackerley credits the success to the screen passes that later opened up the downfield attack, with help of coverage breakdowns by the Thunder.
The Corona defense did its part and limited the Thunder offense to just a pair of touchdowns while safety Elijah McKay collected two interceptions, his second was a 70-yard house call in the fourth quarter.
Ackerley finished his efficient night with 236 yards and three scores. Vines-Bright, Swearingen, Glenn, Mustacchia and Jones all contributed to the offensive onslaught. The Thunder defense has no answer, however, Corona coach Jake Barro was more impressed with the complete game put forth by his program.
“Four quarters, right? We didn’t play a good first half then fall apart in the second, we didn’t play a bad first half and pick it up in the second. We played it all the way through, which I think was crucial,” Barro said. “Connor made really good decisions out there, offensive line had a good day. Just overall a lot sharper, not as many missed assignments as what we have had in the last couple weeks.”
Corona hosts Casteel for its final game of the regular season and playoff chances may be at stake.
