Photos by Nicolette Sarmiento & Alycia Gil / Photo Editors
Story by Matt Rodriguez
Sports Editor
La Puente—A late second half comeback by the Crespi Celts was not enough as the Bishop Amat Lancers (7-0) defeated the Celts (5-2), 31-28.
The story for the Lancers was junior running back Jalen Moore, who rushed for 270-yards on 32 carries for two touchdowns. While on the defensive side, the Lancers sophomore defensive back Adam Alcantara led the secondary and made things hard for Celts quarterback Kenneth Stenhouse.
The Lancers first drive was successful with a field goal by junior kicker Alex Gutierrez.
The Celts’ drive ended with an interception by Alcantara giving the ball back to the Lancers’ offense.
Following the interception, junior quarterback Rio Ruiz completed a 51-yard pass to junior received Adam Sanchez, and later a 27-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Wallace Gonzales taking the score to 10-0, Lancers.
On the following drive, senior defensive end Julian Gener blocked the Celts punt on a fourth down giving the Lancers great field position, which would eventually lead to a 1-yard keeper by Ruiz making the score 17-0, Lancers.
However, the Celts’ offense woke up before the half ended scoring with a 9-yard touchdown pass which made the score 17-7 Lancers, Amat.
Taking the momentum from the late touchdown ending the half, the Celts’ offense came out of the gates strong in the beginning of the third quarter.
The Celts’ first drive in the third ended with 4-yard touchdown run capping off a 77-yard drive to make the score17-14, Amat.
The Lancers went three and out on their next possession and a long punt return by the Celts gave them great field position. This long punt return resulted in a touchdown giving the Celts the lead 21-17.
At this point the Celts had scored 21 unanswered points.
The Lancers failed to convert three times on the one yard line giving the ball back to the Celts. The Lancers defense however forced a bad punt giving them the ball back at the Celts’ 33.
After the bad punt, Moore punched in a 4-yard touchdown run giving the lead back to the Lancers, 24-21.
The Lancers’ defense stepped up and forced a three and out giving the Lancers the ball back at the Celts’ 36.
Moore led this drive as well scoring once again on a 4-yard touchdown run putting the Lancers up 31-21.
However, the Celts marched down the field on their next possession scoring on 5-yard touchdown pass making the score 31-28, Amat.
A failed onside kick attempt sealed by the Celts sealed the game for the Lancers giving them their first victory in Serra League play.
The Serra League continues next week as the Lancers travel to face the Loyola Cubs (3-4).
