MidValleySports.Com

Los Altos and Tyler Nevens have based their way to the finals. (Photo by Steven Mercado)

By Steven Mercado

(La Verne)- The Los Altos Conquerors and the Bonita Bearcats battled back and forth in the semifinal game Friday night, but it was Los Altos’ defense that sustained its lead and brought the team to a 27-13 victory.

The Conquerors held the Bearcats to zero points in the fourth quarter. Bonita’s two possessions in the quarter ended in a Los Altos interception and a 10-play drive that resulted in a turnover on downs on the Conquerors’ 30-yard line.

Los Altos held the offensive advantage through sophomore RB Tyler Nevens, who ran the ball 38 times for 303 yards and two touchdowns. Whenever Bonita scored, LA answered with a touchdown of their own.

With the win, Los Altos advances to the Central Division finals to face the Colony Titans, who defeated Charter Oak on Friday night 35-26.

*** Nevens put on his second consecutive 300-yard performance on Friday night. The two 300-yard games are the only two times he rushed for over 200 yards this season.

*** In the second quarter, Bonita scored on a 28-yard touchdown pass from East to senior WR Danny Gelalich on fourth down, but it was called back due to an offensive pass interference penalty. The score would have been 13-10 in favor of the Bearcats, but instead, they were then forced to punt.

*** Bonita committed five penalties and Los Altos committed four.

*** Nevens scored his second rushing touchdown of the game to extend the Los Altos lead to 24-13 with 7:08 left in the ball game. This touchdown capped a 15-play drive — the longest drive of the game.

*** Los Altos head coach Dale Ziola on making it to the Central Division finals: “I’m elated. It’s pretty surreal. We were 2-4 a couple of months ago and these kids have played some great team football and we couldn’t be happier to be where we’re at now.”

*** Bonita junior QB Tanner East went 14-27 for 145 yards, a touchdown, an interception and a fumble lost. East fumbled the snap twice and both times, he fell on the ball for a loss of yards.

*** Los Altos senior defensive end and captain David Tolmachoff: “It was fun having a party in the backfield.”

*** Nevens on making it to the finals and how his teammates cater to his success: “It’s truly a blessing. I thank God, I thank my teammates for giving me this opportunity and we hope to win it all next week … My teammates motivate me — especially the seniors. I love it. Without their support, I couldn’t be doing what I’m doing now.”

*** Bonita senior RB Angel Verdugo had 27 carries for 175 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 114.4 yards a game in the previous 12 games of the season.

*** Coach Ziola on how his team held Bonita to zero points in the fourth quarter to seal the win: “They’re a good team. These kids are like brothers, man. There’s a true brotherhood out here and they lean on each other and fight for one another. They’re the hardest working kids we’ve had in a long time.”

*** Los Altos’ starting offensive line: senior LT Steven Magallanes, sophomore LG Oscar Villa, senior C Eric Castillo, senior RG David Tolmachoff and senior RT George Steward.

*** Bonita’s starting offensive line: senior LT Austin Russell, senior LG Cruz Garibay, senior C Noah Loun, senior RG Dustin Lees and junior RT Baylee Smith.