Downey tailback, Afonso Elam (Photo by Joe T.)
By Joe Torosian
(Paramount)—The Downey Vikings defeated the Paramount Pirates, 28-14, to capture their sixth consecutive San Gabriel Valley League title. The Vikings have won the league outright or shared the title every year since 2011.
The Vikings popped to a 14-0 lead in the first half thanks to a pair touchdowns from Trevor Hill to Christopher Atkins. The first came in the opening quarter from 16-yards out and then with 8:07 to play in the first half, Hill pumped and went deep 54-yards to Atkins.
The Pirates cut the lead in half to start the third when Cedric Hood went 13-yards to Pierre Robinson.
A poorly executed onside kick was recovered by Downey at their own 44. A stop and start drive began with big plays being brought back by penalties. Finally on fourth and six from the Paramount 40, Hill hit Atkins for 11-yards on a deep out to prolong the drive.
Then after the drive stalled on at the ten on fourth and goal, Hill moved up and around in the pocket before finding Joseph Alex in the back of the end zone to make it 21-7.
Then in the fourth Nicholas Whitney picked off a Hood pass in the center of the field and returned it 39-yards to paydirt to give the Vikings a three-touchdown advantage.
Paramount added a late score before the Downey ground game and defense closed the show down.
Keying the Vikings ground game was Afunso Elam. Starting tailback Emari Demarcardo went down early with a high ankle sprain and Baraq Ross didn’t see many touches. Elam carried the ball 28 times for 151 yards.
Making the gaines possible were left tackle Steven George, left guard Anthony Montes, center Diego Casillias, right guard Joaquin Nunez, and right tackle Charles Brisco.
The victory improved Downey to 9-1 and dropped Paramount to 7-3. Both schools wait for CIF’s playoff brackets to come out on Sunday.
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