The excitement of high school football was on full display at the 45th Annual Milk Can Game, as the Chino Cowboys and Don Lugo Conquistadors played in one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. This storied rivalry, rooted in the heart of Chino, never fails to deliver an evening of thrilling action, and this year was no exception.
With the Milk Can trophy on the line, Chino High School’s stadium was filled with passionate fans from both sides, creating an atmosphere that felt like a playoff game. The Cowboys entered the contest with a record of 0-4, but they also held the coveted Milk Can trophy, adding extra fuel to their fire. Meanwhile, Don Lugo came into the game with a 1-3 record, fresh off a close 28-27 loss to Monrovia, and questions surrounded whether their starting quarterback, Kalib Pacheco, would be available after suffering an ankle injury the previous week.
The Cowboys wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. After winning the coin toss and electing to receive, quarterback Maximus Barroso orchestrated a methodical opening drive. With just over six minutes remaining in the first quarter, Barroso found his brother, Achilles Barroso, for an 11-yard touchdown pass, giving Chino a 7-0 lead.
Chino’s offense struck again early in the second quarter. Barroso connected with CJ Gibson for an 8-yard touchdown, extending the Cowboys’ lead to 14-0. With the momentum on their side and a two-touchdown advantage, the Cowboys’ defense held strong, forcing Don Lugo to work for every yard.
However, the Conquistadors found their spark late in the first half. Don Lugo’s backup quarterback, Sam Plunkett, who started in place of Pacheco, led a determined drive that culminated in a 35-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Morales. This put Don Lugo on the board and cut the Cowboys’ lead to 14-7 with just under four minutes left in the second quarter. On the final play of the half, Pacheco entered the game for a brief appearance, signaling his readiness for the second half.
After halftime, Pacheco returned to lead the Conquistadors, and his presence immediately made a difference. He connected with Blake Laporte on a 15-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 14-14 midway through the third quarter. The tide of the game had shifted, and Don Lugo’s offense was beginning to find its rhythm.
Pacheco’s composure continued to shine in the fourth quarter when he delivered a 21-yard touchdown pass to Sam Plunkett. Although the extra point attempt was unsuccessful, Don Lugo took its first lead of the game, 20-14, with just under nine minutes to play. Despite the Cowboys’ efforts to regain control, Don Lugo’s defense held strong, shutting down Chino’s offense in the second half.
With 20 unanswered points, Don Lugo secured a 20-14 victory, reclaiming the Milk Can trophy and celebrating their hard-fought win with their fans. The Conquistadors improved their record to 2-3, while Chino dropped to 0-5. Despite the outcome, both teams displayed immense heart and resilience, and their efforts on the field reflected the spirit of this long-standing rivalry.
Though the Cowboys will have to wait another year for a chance to bring the trophy back, the Milk Can series remains competitive, with Chino still leading Don Lugo 27-18 in the overall standings. Both teams now head into a well-earned bye week.
Videos by Anthony Sarinana
Photos taken by Anthony Sarinana
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