Story by Matt Rodriguez
Staff Writer
La Puente – After another impressive outing by the Lancers’ defense and a good effort from junior running backs Zachary Shay and Jalen Moore, Bishop Amat shut down the Muir Mustangs 34-14, Friday night at Kiefer Stadium in their first home game of the season.
In the first half, both the Lancers’ defense and offense came up big. The Lancers touchdowns would come off of big plays resulting off of big stops by the defense.
After deferring the ball, the Lancers got to work early forcing a three and out.
The Lancers offense would not hesitate. After a series of short runs, junior quarterback Rio Ruiz completed an 83-yard TD reception to sophomore Darren Andrews capping off a 99-yard drive, just 3 minutes into the game.
However, the next Lancer drive ended with an interception thrown by Ruiz. The Mustangs did not capitalize as the Lancers defense remained strong, ending the quarter at 7-0 Amat lead.
In the second quarter, the Lancers offense would capitalize off of mistakes made by the Mustangs. The Lancers special teams recovered a high snap on a punt giving the offense the ball on the Mustangs’ 19-yard line, which would result in 7-yard touchdown run by Shay.
However, the Lancers defense allowed a 42-yard pass and a 15-yard run, which would setup a 1-yard plunge for a touchdown. The extra point was not successful, making the score 14-6, Amat.
On the following drive, Moore broke off with a 33-yard run, and the drive would be finished by another 7-yard touchdown run by Shay. The score would move to 20-6 after the extra point was blocked. The half would end with the score at 20-6.
The Lancers offense would not let up in the third quarter. After three plays, Shay burst around the edge for an 80-yard touchdown run.
The extra point made the score 27-6, Lancers.
The Mustangs mistakes would continue to cost them. After another bad snap the Lancers would take over at the Mustangs 27-yard line.
Eventually Moore found the end zone with a 2-yard plunge, giving Amat a 34-6 lead.
The Mustangs added a touchdown in the fourth quarter, but never threatened to make the game close.
The Lancers will continue their home stand against rival Damien next week at Kiefer Stadium.
Notes: Muir’s starting quarterback Jeffrey Davis sat out the game as a result of a hit taken to the chest in a loss to Saugus.
