Vikings Sailing to Semis

Northview’s David Barela was a force on offense and defense.

By Alex Gonzalez

(Covina) — The Northview Vikings advanced to the semi-finals of the Division 7 playoffs Friday night at Covina District Field after a 21-7 victory over Warren behind four turnovers forced by the Vikings and David Barela’s two rushing touchdowns.

“Our defense played lights out, said HC Marcel Perez, “We’ve been doing what we’ve been doing all year. Whoever steps up, we’re going to play some defense. We showed that we can play our brand of football over here.” 

With a chance to be in the final four, both teams came out swinging and neither could produce on points on their opening drives. It wasn’t until Bears’ quarterback Chirs Venegas fumbled the ball on the Northview 11. 

The Vikings turned around and scored on their ensuing possession. Barela took the handoff and ran it up the gut from 40 yards out, breaking the 0-0 tie with 1:25 left in the first quarter. 

Warren wanted to respond on their next possession but on its drive ended two plays in where Damarryea Armstrong fumbled and lost the toss. The turnover didn’t affect the Bears because their defense picked off the Vikings, giving them the ball back. It didn’t last however because Venegas threw an interception on the very next play. 

Northview didn’t turnover the ball when they had possession but instead, they gave the ball to Barela and he bulldozed his way for six at the start of the second quarter. 

Just before the break, and after another fumble by Venegas that was forced by Barela, Northview was able to take the turnover and turn into a James Jimenez touchdown. 

The Vikings tried to extend their lead on their first possession of the third quarter with a 32-yard field goal, but Brian Calderon’s kick was blocked by a herd of Bears. 

With a scoreless third quarter and an almost scoreless fourth, the Bears finally put points on the board thanks to Robbie Colenzo’s 70-yard punt return for a touchdown midway through the fourth. 

They then tried for an onside kick but it failed and Northview was able to run the clock out until the final buzzer. 

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