Story by Nicolette Sarmiento
Editor-in-Chief
SHERMAN OAKS–Looking to secure their spot in the CIF Playoffs, the Bishop Amat Lancers ended their regular season with a loss to the Notre Dame Knights on Friday at Notre Dame High School.
With quarterback Rio Ruiz still out with a knee injury, the Lancers looked to sophomore Koa Haynes to lead them in their final league game.
Amat started with the ball and capitalized on their possession with a 53-yard pass from Haynes to senior Zachary Shay. However, the Knights blocked the extra point, keeping the score at 6-0.
Early in the second quarter, Notre Dame answered back with a 5-yard run into the end zone, taking a 7-6 lead.
The Lancers got the ball back, but the Knights’ defense got through the offensive line to sack Haynes and force the fumble. Notre Dame recovered the ball at Amat’s 33-yard line.
From the six-yard line, the Knights ran the ball in, extending their lead to 14-6.
Amat gave the ball up, but recovered a dropped Notre Dame lateral pass. Senior Alex Gutierrez attempted a 38-yard field goal, but missed to end the first half.
Notre Dame recovered a fumble and capitalized with a field goal, making it 17-6.
The Amat defense stepped up in the third quarter, stopping a potential Knight score with a interception from senior Darren Andrews. However, they could not take advantage of the turnover.
Senior Jalen Moore gave the Lancers another score by punching the ball in from the seven-yard line. Amat tried for a two-point conversion, but failed. The score remained 17-12 with less than six minutes left in the game.
Amat recovered the ensuing onside kick, but turned it over on downs with under three minutes left. Notre Dame took over in Lancer territory. The Lancers got it back off a DJ Daniels pick with just over a minute left in regulation.
The Lancers’ hopes died when the Knights intercepted the pass from Haynes in the end zone. Notre Dame held the ball and ran out the clock with the final score 17-12.
With the loss, Bishop Amat finished the season 6-4 overall and 1-3 in league.
Their playoff hopes are now in jeopardy. The only way for Bishop Amat to make it into the playoffs lies with the rest of the Serra League or with a CIF at-large bid.
The Lancers need some serious help to make it into the playoffs.
