By Matt Schuler
(La Puente)-Austin Brasher led the ground attack for the eagles and accounted for three touchdowns, Lars Nootbaar controlled the game through the air, and the defense nearly drew a blank as El Segundo advanced to the second round of the CIF Northwest Division Playoffs with a 31-7 win over La Puente Friday Night.
“They made plays when they needed to and came up with big catches,” Said LP coach Brandon Rohr after the CIF exit. “We Didn’t.”
Brasher, who finished with 108 total yards and three touchdowns, started of the scoring barrage with a 1-yard plunge and it was 7-0 early with 3:13 in the first quarter.
The Warriors responded back with a 11-play drive, but the 32-yard field goal attempt was blocked and El Segundo took over at their own 39.
Brasher then did it again in the second quarter, this time receiving a pass from Nootbaar and taking it 11 yards to the house for a 14-0 advantage with just over 2:00 to play in the half.
Right when a comeback began to look promising, thats when things got ugly for the Warriors.
After the defense forced a punt, La Puente QB and team captain Ivan Vasquez was sacked and a fumble gave the Eagles the ball back in scoring position.
Vasquez was injured on the play and had to be assisted off the field. The team leader did not return.
The Following play, Nootbaar connected with Jaime Stewart on a 34 yard bomb and it was 21-0 with 2:04 to play in the third.
But that wasn’t it.
The first play of the Warriors ensuing possession was a fumbled snap and two plays later Brasher punched in on a 1-yard hammer that put the 28-0 nail in the coffin.
LP Receiver Noel Martinez scored on a 57-yard Touchdown run late in the fourth after things were out of reach. Martinez also had a game saving opportunity when down 14-0, but dropped the wide open flea flicker pass that could’ve potentially cut the score to 14-7.
The Warriors season ends with a second place league finish and a six game win streak to end the regular season.
El Segundo now looks ahead to facing Centennial.
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