By Moses Leos III
Six total touchdowns scored by Vista Ridge Ranger quarterback Jacob Taute was too much for the Lehman Lobos to overcome as they fell 41-21 at Gupton Stadium in Friday's 25-6A district opening game.
Taute went 17 of 27 for 310 yards and four touchdowns passing in the game, while also rushing for 62 yards and a pair of touchdowns on the ground. He inflicted most of his damage, however, in the second half.
Both Lehman and Vista Ridge traded scores in the first 24 minutes of the contest. The Lobos held a 7-0 first quarter lead via a 10 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jacob Zamora to wide receiver Chastin Evans.
Following a Ranger passing touchdown early in the second frame, the Lobos regained the lead after an epic 14 play, six-plus minute drive that was capped off by a two yard touchdown run by wide receiver Tyler Henderson.
Lehman lead was short-lived, however, as Vista Ridge scored a touchdown before halftime to tie the game at 14-14.
Taute and the Ranger offense quickly jumped out of the gate in the second half and scored 14 unanswered points to take a 28-14 lead.
Lehman responded prior to the end of the third frame, as Zamora connected with Evans again for a 45 yard touchdown pass, cutting the Ranger lead to 28-21. Zamora went 9 of 22 for 115 yards and two touchdowns. Evans caught six passes for 83 yards and a pair of scores.
But the Lobos couldn't hold down Taute and the Rangers, who compiled the final 13 points to close the game.
Lehman running back Bryan Mendoza finished with 61 yards on 15 carries. Henderson rushed for 32 yards on nine carries.
