Orange Lutheran outlasts Arizona's top-ranked Basha in nonleague showdown
California's Orange Lutheran defeated Arizona's Basha 23-17, with a defensive touchdown and balanced offense powering the win.
The Game
Orange Lutheran High School's football team earned a 23-17 nonleague victory over Basha of Chandler, Arizona, on Friday at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa. Basha entered the game ranked No. 12 nationally by MaxPreps.com, while Orange Lutheran sits at No. 61.
Basha struck first, going up 7-0 on a drive capped by a touchdown run from senior receiver Jaden Baldwin (a Pitt commit) after a catch from quarterback Jake Rogers, who has committed to Princeton. Orange Lutheran answered late in the first quarter when sophomore running back Ryan Christianson scored on a 2-yard run, capping an 11-play, 80-yard drive. Basha regained the lead 10-7 on a 27-yard field goal by Mikey Barth.
The turning point came when Orange Lutheran junior safety King Rich Johnson returned an interception 84 yards for a touchdown, giving the Lancers a 14-10 lead. In the second half, sophomore quarterback Ezrah Brown connected with sophomore receiver Raiden Velasquez on an 11-yard touchdown pass, extending the margin to 21-10. Orange Lutheran added two more points on a safety after a botched Basha snap on a punt sailed out of the end zone, making it 23-10.
Basha attempted a late comeback, with Rogers throwing a 32-yard touchdown pass to Noah Roberts to cut the deficit to 23-17, but could not complete the rally. Roberts, who had rushed for 111 yards the previous week, was held to just 36 yards on 17 carries. Christianson finished with 122 rushing yards on 28 carries for Orange Lutheran.
Reaction
First-year Orange Lutheran head coach Ray Fenton praised his defense's performance and pointed to improved emotional composure compared to the team's season-opening loss to Miami Central. Offensive lineman Jonah Tabrizi credited the team's chemistry and mutual support as a key factor in the improvement.
The win also served as revenge: Basha defeated Orange Lutheran 30-24 last year in Chandler, Arizona, en route to a 12-1 season finish.
Context
Orange Lutheran, ranked No. 4 in the Orange County Top 25, improved to 2-1 on the season. The Lancers opened with a narrow 23-22 loss to Miami Central before routing San Diego County's top team, Cathedral Catholic, 38-24 last week. Orange Lutheran next plays at Serra of Gardena, while Basha faces fellow Arizona squad Pinnacle.
