By Big Tony Solorzano
(Whittier) – Despite a good night from senior quarterback Damian Buenrostro, La Serna ended a dismal pre-season schedule by dropping its fourth straight game, 14-7, to Los Altos Friday night at Whittier District Field.
The Lancers’ Buenrostro completed seven passes in 21 attempts for 106 yards, but was sacked twice when his coverage in the pocket collapsed on him. Despite the pressure, Buenrostro connected on five of his last nine pass attempts in the second half for 93 yards. On the other side of the ball, Justin Zamano completed eight of 13 pass attempts for 141 yards, but threw an interception that ended their opening drive of the second half.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Conquerors got on the board with 4:08 left in the half as Zamano called his own number and ran along the right side to score from 17 yards out. The Lancers got the ball back for the final four minutes of the half but despite a drive that took them to the Conquerors’ 25-yard line, Buenrostro last six pass attempts fell incomplete, most of them going towards receiver Angel Estrada while being covered by Ryan Longoria, who benefited from a six-inch height advantage.
The third quarter mirrored the first, with both teams exchanging long drives after stalling out. The Conquerors’ Alex Tibbs took advantage of a fumble deep inside Lancers territory, moving the ball 10 yards on three carries, scoring from one yard out to increase the lead to 14-0 with just over eight minutes left in the fourth.
The Lancers finally lit the board late with Buenrostro leading the Lancers 89 yards in just under four minutes to cut the lead to 14-7 on his quarterback sneak on fourth and goal. The Conquerors ran out the final four minutes to hold on to the victory
Next week the Lancers open the Del Rio League at Titan Stadium against the Santa Fe Chiefs, while the Conquerors open up the Miramonte League at Hacienda Heights Wilson.
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