LA VERNE — There is never a dull moment with Damien quarterback Isaiah Arriaza, and he nearly led the Spartans to one heck of an improbable comeback.

Rancho Cucamonga’s Tyree Wilson (3) runs the ball against Damien during the Baseline League opener at Damien High School in La Verne on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

Arriaza’s 40-yard Hail Mary as time expired to Travon Garrison stunned Rancho Cucamonga, leaving the Spartans a two-point conversion away from sending the game to overtime.

But Rancho Cucamonga came up with the stop as Arriaza’s game-tying pass sailed away, allowing the Cougars to hold on for a 24-22 victory.

Rancho Cucamonga’s James Strong finished with 198 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns, and quarterback Jacob Chambers threw f

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