The 46th Annual Milk Can Game had all the ingredients of a community classic: longtime tradition, two rival schools separated by only a few miles, and a trophy that means more than just football. On Friday night, the Chino Cowboys earned their first victory of the 2025 season, defeating Don Lugo 34-7 and bringing the Milk Can back to their campus.

For Chino head coach Alex Arellano III, the moment was deeply personal. A former Cowboy himself, Arellano’s grandfather served on Chino’s football staff for years, and the family has long understood the significance of this rivalry. Friday marked Arellano’s first win as a head coach.

“I’m just proud of the boys,” Arellano said afterward. “They showed up, and multiple players stepped up. For me, to win my first one in this game, it means everything for my family, for the school, and for this community.”

Cowboys Establish the Ground Game

The game began with drama when Chino recovered a Don Lugo fumble on the opening kickoff, but both defenses held firm through the first quarter. In the second, senior running back Nathan Bull—playing in his first game since Week 0—broke free for a 21-yard touchdown run to put Chino on the board.

Later in the quarter, sophomore Andrew Ruiz punched in a one-yard score, sending the Cowboys into halftime with a 14-0 lead.

After the break, Chino leaned heavily on Bull. He added touchdown runs of 36 and 38 yards in the third quarter, finishing the night with 176 yards on 20 carries and three scores.

Senior Hugo Villaseñor capped the Cowboys’ scoring in the fourth with a 29-yard touchdown run. Chino’s offense totaled 329 rushing yards on the evening.

Conquistadores Battle Through Adversity

The Conquistadores entered the game without two of their top offensive weapons. Sophomore quarterback Brandon Pinion, who had thrown for 368 yards and six touchdowns in two games this season, and junior running back Brandon Elias were both sidelined by injuries.

Despite the setbacks, Don Lugo continued to compete. Junior quarterback Savian Sumlar led his team’s best drive of the night in the third quarter, completing passes to move the chains before finishing the series with a 15-yard touchdown run. Sumlar ended the game with 110 passing yards and 43 rushing yards.

Senior Nolan Chavez provided a spark as well, recovering a fumble early and adding two catches for 34 yards.

Looking Ahead

Chino (1-4) will have a bye week before opening league play against Covina on October 3. Don Lugo (1-4) also takes a break in Week 5 before returning home to host Brentwood School.

For the Cowboys, the win was about more than the numbers. As Arellano put it, “We were meant to go through those first four weeks, to learn and grow. To win this one, the Milk Can, it feels like it was meant to be.”

Box Score

Chino 34, Don Lugo 7
46th Annual Milk Can Game – Sept. 19, 2025

Scoring Summary

QuarterPlay
2ndChino – Nathan Bull 21-yard run (PAT good), 7:18
2ndChino – Andrew Ruiz 1-yard run (PAT good), :30
3rdChino – Nathan Bull 36-yard run (PAT good), 9:50
3rdChino – Nathan Bull 38-yard run (PAT good), 4:03
3rdDon Lugo – Savian Sumlar 15-yard run (PAT good), :30
4thChino – Hugo Villaseñor 29-yard run (PAT failed), 7:00

Team Totals

TeamRushingPassingReceiving
Chino Cowboys39 carries, 329 yds, 5 TDs11-16, 88 yds11 rec, 88 yds
Don Lugo Conquistadores16 carries, 56 yds, 1 TD16-21, 110 yds16 rec, 110 yds

Individual Leaders

ChinoStats
Nathan Bull20 carries, 176 yds, 3 TDs (21, 36, 38)
Hugo Villaseñor4 carries, 61 yds, 1 TD (29)
Raymond Chia12 carries, 56 yds
Andrew Ruiz1 TD rush, 1 catch for 15 yds
Carson Hoover (QB)11-16, 88 yds
Christian Rodriguez10 receptions, 47 yds
Don LugoStats
Savian Sumlar (QB)16-21, 110 yds passing; 11 carries, 43 yds, 1 TD (15)
Nolan Chavez2 receptions, 34 yds, 1 fumble recovery
Isaiah Denmon1 reception, 16 yds
Blake LaPorte1 reception, 16 yds

Videos

Game Photos

Photos taken by Rico’s Sports Pix

Game Photos

Photos taken by Steven Park