In the Baseline League opener, the Rancho Cucamonga Cougars defeated the Etiwanda Eagles 37-18 on a frigid Thursday night at Los Osos High. With the victory, the Cougars improve to 6-0 on the season.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Cougars jumped out to the lead on a short touchdown run on 4th down by bulldozing back Kiraun Mayo. The PAT was blocked.

Trailing 6-0, Etiwanda senior quarterback Darryn Ratliff linked up with senior Tacory Spencer on a long catch and run for the equalizing score. The PAT was blocked.

Full Game Highlight Mix: Rancho vs Etiwanda

With the game tied and halftime approaching, Rancho Cucamonga sophomore quarterback Angel Matute connected with lanky junior wideout Blake Fisher for the go-ahead touchdown. Matute has filled in admirably for in place of injured senior quarterback Gage Pucci, who who looks to return in a few weeks.

Post Game Interview: 2014 DB Artuz Manning

Etiwanda muffed the ensuing kickoff, setting the Cougars up with great field position to add a field goal as time expired. The Cougars led the Eagles 16-6 at the half.

Rancho Cucamonga junior speedster Khalil Muhammad busted loose in the second half with two long touchdown runs to give the Cougars a commanding lead. Sophomore Aaron Manning added a short touchdown run. For his efforts, Muhammad was named CLA Offensive Player of the Game.

Post Game Interview: 2015 RB Khalil Muhammad

The Cougars defense was led by their talented secondary featuring Ralston Compton and Artruz Manning. Etiwanda continued to scrap and added two late touchdowns to cut the deficit to 37-18.

The Cougars host Glendora next Friday while Etiwanda will look to bounce back against Alta Loma.