A Senior Night football game between the Dos Palos Broncos and the visiting Tranquillity Tigers last Friday evening was cut short by an ugly brawl that forced game officials to call the game in the third quarter.
The brawl marred an otherwise stellar night for the Broncos on both sides of the ball. They will now head into the pivotal final two games of the regular season. First up will be a trip down Highway 33 this Friday to take on the improving Firebaugh Eagles, who defeated Avenal last Friday and are now 4-4 on the season.
After that, it will be another road trip to play the undefeated Coalinga Horned Toads to end the regular season.
Tranquillity, now 2-6 on the season, started the scoring in the first quarter when senior Jordan Vallejo scooped up a Bronco fumble and darted 81 yards for a touchdown.
But the Broncos answered right back, methodically driving down the field. From the Tiger two-yard line, sophomore Eric Franco carried the ball in for the score to tie the game.
Dos Palos took the lead for good in the second quarter. Senior quarterback Earl Riley found sophomore Billy Scott, who made a fine catch for a 23-yard touchdown scoring pass.
Speedster Jacquez Jones then took a pass from Riley and scooted his way for an 87-yard touchdown and a 20-7 halftime lead.
Dos Palos added a pair of quick touchdowns in the third quarter. With Tranquillity backed up against its own endzone, cornerback Sixto Ibarra picked off a Tiger pass and scored from two yards out.
Junior Jesus Tapia ended the scoring on a five-yard run before the brawl ended the contest.
Riley had a fine night in the air, completing 10 of 14 passes for 164 yards and the pair of touchdowns. Dos Palos added 114 yards rushing on the abbreviated night.
Tapia led the Dos Palos defense with eight tackles, followed by Justin Hurd’s three.
As for the brawl, the official’s report and game tape will be sent to the Central Section CIF office in Kingsburg. Commissioner Ryan Tos, as well as the rest of the state, has taken a hard line on fighting and players involved could face multiple game suspensions.
