Elsinore Tigers Top Diamond Ranch Panthers in Non-League Finale (Game Recap & Photos)

The Elsinore Tigers closed out non-league play in dominant fashion Thursday night, defeating the Diamond Ranch Panthers 50-6 at Diamond Ranch High School. With the victory, Elsinore improved to 5-1 on the season, while Diamond Ranch dropped to 3-2 as they now turn their attention to league competition.

First Half Firepower

Diamond Ranch opened the game with possession but was quickly set back by penalties and a mishandled punt snap. Elsinore capitalized immediately as senior running back Kai Tamagpong raced into the end zone on a 24-yard run for the game’s first score.

The Tigers continued to control the opening quarter behind their ground game. Junior Lataevious Hernandez added a 30-yard touchdown run, and after another defensive stop, senior quarterback Brayden Stankus connected with sophomore Ledgend Johnson for a highlight 75-yard catch-and-run touchdown. By the end of the first quarter, Elsinore led 21-0, scoring on all three of their possessions.

Stankus and Johnson teamed up again in the second quarter on a 13-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful two-point conversion. Tamagpong then showcased his speed, scoring on runs of 52 and 80 yards, giving him three first-half touchdowns. The Tigers capped the half with a Stankus-to-Max Mitchell seven-yard touchdown pass, taking a commanding 50-0 halftime lead.

Panthers Battle Back

In the second half, Elsinore’s head coach, Randy Kirschman, turned to his reserves, giving valuable playing time to younger players. Diamond Ranch responded by piecing together an eight-play drive in the third quarter. Junior quarterback Isaiah Salinas handed off to senior Adan Sandoval, who scored from four yards out for the Panthers’ lone touchdown of the night.

With a running clock in the fourth quarter, both defenses held firm, and the score remained 50-6 at the final whistle.

Standout Performances

Elsinore’s offense was led by Tamagpong, who rushed for 190 yards and three touchdowns on just eight carries. Hernandez added 40 yards and a score, while Stankus was efficient through the air, finishing 3-of-5 passing for 95 yards and three touchdowns. Johnson made the most of his two receptions, tallying 89 yards and two touchdowns.

For Diamond Ranch, Salinas passed for 101 yards and added 22 on the ground. Running back Cory Wilson paced the Panthers’ rushing attack with 80 yards on 14 carries, while Jacob Hernandez hauled in a 42-yard reception.

Looking Ahead

Next Friday, Diamond Ranch will open Valle Vista League play at home against the San Dimas Saints (3-2). Elsinore begins Mountain Pass League action with a road matchup against Temescal Canyon.

Game Stats

Team	Passing	Rushing	Receiving	Total Yards
Elsinore	Stankus: 3/5, 95 yds, 3 TDsHerrera: 1/1, 13 yds	Tamagpong: 8 car, 190 yds, 3 TDsHernandez: 4 car, 40 yds, 1 TD	Johnson: 2 rec, 89 yds, 2 TDsMitchell: 2 rec, 19 yds, 1 TD	285 rush yds, 108 pass yds
Diamond Ranch	Salinas: 6/19, 101 yds	Wilson: 14 car, 80 ydsSandoval: 7 car, 31 yds, 1 TDSalinas: 6 car, 22 yds	Hernandez: 1 rec, 42 ydsWilson: 2 rec, 28 ydsBurgess: 2 rec, 21 yds	142 rush yds, 101 pass yds