Story by Nicolette Sarmiento
Editor-in-Chief
VENICE–After yet another slow start, the Bishop Amat Lancers barely defeated the Venice Gondoliers, 38-35, in the Lancers’ closest game of the season Thursday at Venice High School.
The offense started strong, scoring on their first possession off a reverse to senior Adam Sanchez for an 18-yard touchdown. However, the Gondoliers would rally to the Lancers’ one-yard line and tie it up with three minutes left in the first quarter.
The Lancers’ defense was called for two pass interferences, allowing the Gondoliers to take the 14-7 lead off another one-yard touchdown. Venice got the ball back after a Lancer three-and-out and scored off an 89-yard quarterback keeper, putting them up 21-7.
Senior Jalen Moore put Amat back into the game by rushing five yards into the end zone, cutting the Lancers’ deficit to seven. In the second half, the Lancers punched the ball in for a touchdown off a 48-yard double-reverse to Sanchez once again, tying the game 21-21.
The game remained tied, 21-21, heading into the fourth quarter. From there, the Lancers marched into Venice territory. However, the Gondolier defense forced Amat to settle for a 25-yard field goal by senior Alex Gutierrez, putting the Lancers up 24-21.
On the Gondoliers’ ensuing drive, senior Rio Ruiz intercepted a tipped pass to regain possession for the Lancers at the Venice 22-yard line.
Moore would run the ball in again from the one-yard line to give Amat a 31-21 lead.
Venice still showed life, scoring off a 65-yard touchdown pass, putting the Lancers up by only a field-goal.
With almost two minutes left in the game, Moore responded with his third touchdown run, capitalizing on his 213 rush yards, extending the Lancers’ lead 38-28. Though it seemed like an Amat victory with less than a minute and a half left in the game, the Gondoliers scored off a 25-yard pass into the end zone.
Amat had time on their side and were able to hold the ball until the clock expired with the final score 38-35.
The Lancers will host the reigning Serra League champions, the Alemany Warriors, at Kieffer Stadium Friday. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
