By Rich Whittington
(Montebello) – The Lancaster Eagles proved to be too much for the host Montebello Oilers Friday evening, as the Eagles cruised to a 34-8 victory in CIF, Division 12, second round action.
Montebello actually opened the scoring for the evening, when Raul Gonzalez found the end zone on a 1-yard TD blast. The Oilers added a 2-Point PAT, courtesy of a Noah Gomez run, making the score 8-0, Montebello, as the first quarter came to a close. Unfortunately for Montebello, this would be their only score of the evening as Lancaster took control of the game early in the second quarter.
Cedric SaMarion connected with Chowlyn Hughes for a 76- yard TD, making the score 8-6, with 11:07 remaining in the period. SaMarion would connect with Hughes again a short time later, this time for 20 yards, as the Eagles took a 12-8 lead. The 2-Point PAT was successful, making the score 14-8 with 8:03 remaining in the half.
The Eagles also showed scoring ability on the defensive side of the ball. Ashton Mitchell intercepted an errant offering from Oiler’s quarterback Michael Valdivia, returning it 16 yards for the Eagles’ third TD of the quarter. Also adding to the Lancaster scoring total was LB Devin Valera, who took another Valdivia offering in for a 45-yard interception TD. The 2-Point PAT was added by Christian Tucker-Martin, making the score 28-8 as the first half came to a close.
The Eagles’ final score of the evening was added by Shakir Freeman, who scored on a 68-yard TD run with 22 seconds remaining in the contest, This made the score 34-8, Lancaster as the game ended.
With the win, Lancaster advances to the CIF Division 12 Semi-Finals, where the Eagles will host the Arroyo Knights. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 P.M. next Friday night.
Montebello finishes the season with a record of 6-6, 2-3 in Almont League play, and 1-1 in the CIF Playoffs.
Arroyo is the home team against Lancaster in their semi-final match up Friday night.
Good luck Arroyo
GO KNIGHTS!!!