Dana Hills High has opened the 2025 football season with back-to-back home victories, including a 30-14 romp over El Modena High on Friday, Aug. 29, in which the Dolphins showcased their talent on offense and on defense.
The Dolphins (2-0) forced five turnovers, including three interceptions and two fumbles. Meanwhile, the Vanguards (0-2) struggled to contain the dynamic duo of running back Radley Geiss and wide receiver James Leicester.
It didn’t take long for the Dolphins to strike. On the first play from scrimmage, Geiss took an inside handoff and burst past the entire Vanguard defense, racing up the right sideline for an 82-yard touchdown.
On El Modena’s first possession, the Vanguards drove into the red zone, but that’s when their first costly mistake occurred. Dolphins linebacker Thompson Foulger perfectly timed a blitz and tackled the ball carrier in the backfield, forcing a fumble. Sophomore Noah Carter jumped on the loose ball to end the drive.
Dana Hills was unable to capitalize on the turnover and punted the ball away. El Modena junior quarterback Ethan Sorenson then connected with junior Jason Ramos on a deep pass, resulting in a contested catch for a 26-yard touchdown. After a successful two-point conversion, the Vanguards took an 8-7 lead.
Senior linebacker Thompson Foulger continues to be a defensive force for the Dolphins, racking up 16 tackles, forcing a fumble and grabbing an interception in Dana Hills’ 30-14 win over El Modena on Aug. 29.
Photo: Don August
On their ensuing possession, the Dolphins reclaimed the lead on a 5-yard rushing touchdown by Geiss, who rushed for 162 yards on 19 carries, averaging 8.5 yards per carry on the night. Geiss also had two receptions for 22 yards.
In Dana Hills’ season opener, Geiss rushed for 212 yards against Las Vegas Desert Oasis High, so he has racked up 374 yards in two games.
The two-point conversion after Geiss’ second TD was unsuccessful, so the Dolphins led, 13-8, in the second quarter.
El Modena responded with another drive to the Dolphins’ 30-yard line, but a sideways pitch went astray, and Carter recovered his second fumble of the night.
Dana Hills quickly extended its lead when sophomore quarterback Carter Anderson connected with senior Aiden Desormiers on a 26-yard, play-action touchdown to make it 20-8.
With the momentum on their side, the Dolphins continued to press. Senior Isaiah Vargas intercepted Sorenson, but the ensuing drive stalled on downs. Before halftime, Foulger grabbed another interception, and Dana Hills capitalized by adding a field goal for a 23-8 lead at halftime.
Foulger, the 2024 Foxtrot League Defensive Player of the Year, continues to be a force for the Dolphins. Against El Modena, he racked up a team-high 16 tackles, forced a fumble and grabbed an interception.
The Vanguards opened the second half with a touchdown drive that was culminated by a 16-yard rushing touchdown by Sorenson, trimming their deficit to nine points, 23-14, after a failed two-point attempt.
Two possessions later, Dana Hills put the game out of reach when Anderson rolled out to his right and delivered a 10-yard touchdown strike to Leicester in the back of the end zone, marking the final score of the game. Leicester finished with 156 yards on eight receptions and a touchdown, while Anderson completed 12 of 26 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns.
The Dana Hills defense sealed the victory in the closing moments. Senior William Reardon intercepted a pass early in the fourth quarter and recorded 12 tackles, complementing Foulger’s usual dominant performance. Senior Micah Langohr contributed with two sacks and eight tackles, including two for loss.
Up Next for the Dolphins: Dana Hills will host its annual “Honor The Valor” game this Friday, Sept. 5, against Esperanza High. The Aztecs (1-1) are coming off a 35-17 road victory over Fountain Valley.
Senior quarterback Travis Frazier threw for 344 yards and five touchdowns in that game. Esperanza, a pass-heavy offense, did not attempt to establish a run against the Barons. Senior Eddie Matthews caught three touchdown passes for 156 yards and added two interceptions, including a highlight-worthy, one-handed grab. Senior Davian Franco contributed with 109 receiving yards and a touchdown. Dana Hills bested Esperanza in a 40-34 shootout last season.