DESERT HOT SPRINGS — Josh Ceceña rushed for 94 yards and three scores and Moises Cortez added 136 yards on the ground and a touchdown as Desert Hot Springs High School snapped a three-game losing streak and kept its slim playoff hopes alive with a 28-19 victory over Desert Mirage in high school football Friday night.

“We challenged the offensive line tonight. I told them that if they did well that we'd be successful and have a chance to win tonight and they responded and did a great job opening up holes for our offense tonight,” said Golden Eagles head coach L.D. Matthews.

On the first possession of the game, Desert Mirage marched 80 yards in 12 plays, capped off by Alex Bonilla's touchdown run from seven yards out.

The Golden Eagles responded with a long drive of their own as they marched 79 yards in 11 plays to tie the score on Cortez's 17-yard touchdown run. The Golden Eagles then recovered a Desert Mirage fumble and took the lead for good four plays later on the first of Ceceña's three touchdowns.

Leading 21-19 late in the third quarter, the Golden Eagles were in position to put the game out of reach as they drove 56 yards in eight plays to the Rams' 10-yard line but Desert Mirage's Javier Zazueta forced a fumble by Cortez and the Rams recovered.

Led by the running of Bonilla and Ivan Ruiz, the Rams reached the Desert Hot Springs 24-yard line.

On a first-down play, Bonilla gained 12 yards to the Golden Eagle 12-yard line, but fumbled the ball and the Golden Eagles recovered.

Ceceña gained 59 yards on the ground and scored his third touchdown to seal the victory.

“We won this game as a team tonight. Everybody did what they were supposed to,” Ceceña said. “The offensive line did a great job blocking. The defense helped pick us up, forcing and recovering three fumbles. We did this as a team.”

Desert Mirage coach Jeff Tebelak was pleased with his team's effort as well.

“The kids played hard, especially in the first half,” Tebelak said. “The second half they played great. They kept themselves in the game but when you fumble the ball three times and give up 14 points, you're going to have a hard time overcoming that, but I'm still proud of my guys.”

Desert Hot Springs (3-6, 1-2) still has a shot at the playoffs, but needs a victory over Big Bear at home next Friday and some help.

Desert Mirage (3-6, 0-3) concludes next Friday at Yucca Valley.