ORANGE – Quarterback Jason Wilkinson threw four touchdown passes and ran for a touchdown as Orange rolled to a 46-7 win over Santiago in a nonleague game on Thursday night at El Modena High.
Three of Wilkinson’s touchdown passes were over 40 yards.
The 6-foot-4, 195-pound senior said he is enjoying the opportunity to throw deep this season.
“It’s good to let my guys run,” Wilkinson said. “It makes them feel good and makes me feel good too. I’m having a blast.”
Orange QB Jordan Wilkinson loves playing with his teammates. When you win by 30 each week, it’s easy to smile. @ocvarsity #ocvupdates pic.twitter.com/ovn3rG8YpV
— Michael Huntley (@mikehuntley63) September 8, 2017
Coach Robert Pedroza is enjoying the long passes too.
“We know we can be a very explosive offense,” he said, “and that’s a tribute to all the hard work in the offseason. The kids bought in and we have become a pretty explosive offense.”
After turning the ball over on its opening series, Orange (2-0) scored midway through the first quarter on a touchdown run by JoJo Martinez.
Santiago (1-1) had the ball in the red zone early in the second quarter, but the Panthers defense forced an interception. On the ensuing play, Wilkinson threw a long touchdown pass to Jordan Schmidt.
Orange recovered an onside kick after the touchdown. Wilkinson and Schmidt connected for a touchdown shortly after to extend the Orange lead to 20.
Syrus Collins scored the first of his three touchdowns near the end of the half to put the Panthers ahead 26-0. Collins scored once on the ground and caught two touchdown passes.
Not the best quality video, but Syrus Collins scores on a long sweep for Orange. Panthers lead Santiago 26-0 at half. @ocvarsity #ocvupdates pic.twitter.com/My1sypvWap
— Michael Huntley (@mikehuntley63) September 8, 2017
Collins and Wilkinson have worked hard to build chemistry on the field.
“We work every day and all day,” Collins said. “We do late-night workouts and try to get work as much as we can.”
Santiago scored its lone touchdown early in the second half on a screen pass from Angel Tajimaroa to Dylan Ourng.
Angel Tajimaroa completes a screen to Dylan Ourng for a Santiago touchdown. Orange still leads 26-7. @ocvarsity #ocvupdates pic.twitter.com/ZTAShTD2dt
— Michael Huntley (@mikehuntley63) September 8, 2017