Trio of T-Birds aid San Bernardino County victory

Three Yucaipa High seniors played their final high school football game on Saturday, Jan. 29, at Colton High School. Ryan Sorensen, Wyatt Blackmon, and Iain Matheson contributed to San Bernardino County’s effort as it defeated Riverside County 26-20. The event was the 215 Classic All-Star Game. Etiwanda’s Norion Espadron caught three touchdown passes to help lift San Bernardino County. Sorensen and Blackmon provided some key blocking and Matheson made six tackles to aid the winners. “The entire team played well,” Sorensen said. “It was the first San Bernardino County win in eight years.” Sorensen mainly played offensive line but also saw some time at fullback and provided some effective lead blocking. Blackmon played tight end and fullback and did some lead blocking as well as San Bernardino County melted away nearly half the fourth quarter as it preserved its lead. “It was pretty good,” Blackmon said of the experience. “I enjoyed meeting a lot of my rivals and making some new friends and relationships.” Blackmon will attend the University of Redlands next season and will play for the Bulldogs, he said. Matheson broke his ankle in Week 6 of the high school season and returned three weeks later. Playing another game was a welcome opportunity. “It was a really good experience,” Matheson said. “I liked being able to play with guys from other schools and to finally meet them and talk with them. It was fun.” Matheson, like Sorensen, is considering playing at Chaffey College in the fall. Espadron was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. Also catching a touchdown pass was Aquinas’ Cesar Fernandez who latched onto a 97-yard heave from Oak Hills’ Andrew Garcia. San Bernardino County led 20-6 at the half.