LOS LUNAS — Los Lunas defeated Belen 56-6 Friday in the 75th Valencia Bowl, capturing the VCNB Chile Roaster trophy for the eighth straight time.

Mike Powers / News-Bulletin photo
Los Lunas wins the 75th Valencia Bowl, defeating Belen 56-6. The Tigers celebrate with the VCNB Chile Roaster trophy.

The 6A Tigers lost a fumble inside the five yard line late in the first quarter, but two plays later, the 5A Eagles snapped the ball through the end zone for an LLHS safety to make the score 2-0.

After receiving the free kick, Emi De La Torre helped the Tigers move down the field, scoring from short yardage to increase the lead to 9-0 with seven seconds left in the quarter.

Belen had some early success offensively with the option, but a fumble on the first play of the second quarter stopped any momentum.  Jordan Howard scored one touchdown on the ground for the Tigers, while quarterback Damacio Kaneshiro connected with Ethan Olguin on a 32 yard touchdown strike.  Los Lunas led 23-0 at the half.

Shortly after the start of halftime, lightening in the area caused an hour long delay.  After the game resumed, the Tigers scored midway through the third quarter when Kaneshiro found Olguin with a 58 yard strike to make the score 30-0.

Sophomore Kaiden Reese, rotating in at quarterback, added a couple of rushing touchdowns later to build the lead to 42-0.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Belen broke through.  On a 4th down and long, a halfback pass from Derian Rodriguez to Logan Gonzalez put the Eagles on the board.

But the Tigers rounded out the scoring with a long punt return for a touchdown by Fabian Trujillo and another score in the final seconds to end the game on the mercy rule.  Los Lunas wins 56-6.

Also Friday, Valencia went on the road and defeated Kirtland Central 48-20, giving Jaguars coach LeDarrius Cage a victory in his debut at VHS.

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Mike Powers | News-Bulletin Sports Writer
505-823-7806 | [email protected]

Mike Powers spent more than 40 years as a television news and sports anchor, mostly in the Albuquerque market. He has won numerous awards including New Mexico Sportscaster of the Year. He covers a wide range of sports, including the Valencia County prep scene.