Zudfeld finished off the ensuing Crusader drive with a diving 12 yard catch on a pass from White for a touchdown. The extra point failed and M.C. had a 20-6 lead.
Escalon came right back with a 62 yard touchdown pass from QB Nick Aprile to Brian French to close the 3rd quarter and pull within 7 points at 20-13. Modesto Christian sarted the 4th quarter deep in their own territory.They then went on a long time consuming drive that culminated in a Rueben Torres 3 yard touchdown run.After a 2 point conversion, The Crusaders led 28-13.
Escalon was not through yet however. They went on an 88 yard drive of their own capped by a 10 yard touchdown scamper by Joey Machado to close to 28-20 with just under 2 minutes to play.
And they still weren't finished. Modesto Christian forced a pass that was picked off by the cougars and Escalon was at the Crusader's 35 yard line with time for one last play. Nick Aprile's desporation final play pass was knocked down in the endzone as the Modesto Christian fans stormed on to the field to celebrate with their players while the Escalon fans stood in silence still not believing what had just taken place. Time will tell if Modesto Christian will be this competitive in football as they are in basketball year end and year out. But considering they just started the football program 5 years ago it appears they will be Escalon's nemesis on the gridiron for years to come and give local fans some great games to watch. Starting with a pssible rematch in this years playoffs.
