SOC Raptors moved into a tie with the San Diego Mustangs atop the SoCal HS Club league after beating Thunder 33-13 Saturday.
The first half between the two teams was very tight, with Thunder keeping the Raptors pinned in their end. Thunder kicked a penalty goal, but as the half progressed, Raptors gained territory, and after some very strong, hard running, Nolan Abayeta scored.
Fullback Jesse Torres converted. Abayeta and Torres were both very effective through the game.
The 7-3 lead lasted to halftime, but Thunder scored another penalty to make it 7-6 right after the break. The Raptors responded by exerting defensive pressure.
After getting the ball back, Torres took a brilliant pass from flyhalf Redmond Chelsey to score in the corner. From the restart SOC kicked clear, and then lock Duffy Kessler stole the lineout throw and the Raptors were on the front foot again. They worked their way down to the goalline and flanker Cole Bracken picked up and was over. That made it 19-6.
From the restart the Raptors once again got out of their own end, and this time they put wing Shea Summers in at the corner.
Thunder came back with four minutes left to score in the corner and, with the conversion, were within two scores at 26-13. The Raptors iced it when Torres fielded a kick and cut through the defense on the edge to score his second of the night. His conversion made it 18 points for Torres on the evening. Torres was brilliant all night in all aspects of play.
