The Milano Eagles showed no mercy as they took the trip to Valley Mills for their season opener. In the battle of two Eagles, Milano started the year off with a statement win 32-13.
Milano made their presence felt early in the first quarter with a 43-yard touchdown run and 2-point conversion run by sophomore running back Josh Millar. Millar continued his fine performance with a 1-yard touchdown five minutes later.
Milano continued to dominate the game in the second quarter with Nick Grimes scoring a one-yard touchdown. Marcus Ruelas knocked down a 34-yard field goal at the three-minute mark after Grimes snagged an interception. The Milano Eagle defense and offense played lights out as Milano ended the half leading 25-0.
At the start of the second half, Milano needed only 65 seconds to add to its lead on a one-yard touchdown run by sophomore Chris Vasquez. Valley Mills would get on the scoreboard in the third quarter on an 8-yard run with seven seconds to go. They would score again on a 33-yard pass in the fourth quarter, but the game had already been decided.
Millar could not be stopped. He rushed for 195 yards on 14 carries with 2 touchdowns.
“He runs physically, so people have to tackle him or he’s going to run you over,” Milano Head Coach Chad Lagrone said. “He can break tackles and has the speed to finish runs.”
Quarterback Ethen Knight went 3 of 7 for 25 passing yards and rushed for 36 yards. Senior Drew Demerritt had two catches for 25 yards.
On defense, Alan Maldano led the Eagles with seven tackles and one tackle for loss. Grimes caught two interceptions.
Lagrone says he was impressed with the way his team got after Valley Mills from start to finish.
“We came out ready to play,” Lagrone said. “We were clicking early and just rode that momentum throughout the game. I want them continue to get after it, encourage each other and play as a team.”
Milano will play the Marlin Bulldogs in their home opener on Friday.
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