MidValleySports.Com

Cal called "Queen Right 30 Trap" and Justin Dankert took it to paydirt.

(Whittier) – With both teams playoff hopes in the balance, Pioneer was 16-yards from taking the lead in a tight contest and possibly getting the inside track on the final Del Rio League playoff spot. Instead, California’s defense bended but didn’t break on crucial third and fourth downs to preserve the lead and win the game 16-7.

When the Titans wake-up tomorrow morning, it will all be about missed opportunities in the third and fourth quarters. Pioneer’s defense rose to the occasion in the second half and stymied the Condor offense for all but one-big play in the fourth quarter.

California’s fullback Justin Dankert provided the back-breaking play with 3:22 remaining in the game with 72-yard run.

The ever opportunistic Condors had just stopped the Titans at the California 24-yard line after appearing to be wearing down on defense. Pioneer had a first and ten at the Condor 17-yard line and looked poised to take the lead only to have Anthony Ratliff sack Daniel Castro on a crucial third and nine for an eight yard loss. After the timeout, Castro went back to pass was pressured and under threw Anthony Perales on fourth down and turned the ball back over to California.

Both teams were tight early in the game with the Condors going four and out on its first possession of the game. Pioneer would almost mirror California if not for a first down early before having to punt as well.

Then the Condors gave the Titans a steady dose of Andrew Klein who rushed for 89 of a game-high 135 yards in the first half. Klein would eventually score the only California touchdown in the first half on a pass reception from Adam Contreras (eight of 10 for 68 yards) on a play-action pass on third and goal with 8:13 remaining in the second quarter to make the score 10-0.

Unable for the second straight game to gain over 100 yards, Pioneer running back Tony Botello finished with 47 yards on 13 carries. Botello would leave the game in the third quarter with an undisclosed injury.

Paul Alvarez led the Titans offense on the ground with 67 yards. Alvarez also scored the lone touchdown for the Titans on an eight-yard pass completion from Daniel Castro with 1:07 remaining in the second quarter to give Pioneer the momentum heading into the break.

Coming out of the half the Titans had a chance to tie the game early in the third quarter on John Lobos’ 43-yard field goal but it fell 10-yards short.

California must now play the waiting game on Friday and see what the outcome of the Santa Fe vs El Rancho game. A Chiefs win clinches a playoff spot for the Condors. A loss and the Condors must hope the card fall its way to get a date in the CIF Southeast Division Playoffs.