MidValleySports.Com

By: Joe Parra 

(Norwalk) – Norwalk pulled out a dramatic 28-27 win over the Venice Gondoliers Friday night at Norwalk High School.

Norwalk got off to a quick start with a five-minute, 60-yard drive that ended in a three-yard touchdown run by Diego Cerritos, putting the Lancers up 7-0. 

On Venice’s first possession, Onosai Faamatau intercepted quarterback Bennett Dome, but the Lancers failed to take advantage and turned the ball over on downs.

Venice tied the game early in the second quarter when Jonathan Sharp sacked Norwalk quarterback Axel Bustamante, forcing a fumble in the end zone that Hector Lopez recovered for a touchdown.

The Lancers responded right away. Bustamante connected with Da’Ron Walker on a 32-yard strike to give Norwalk a 14-7 lead. Shortly after, Riley Howard forced a fumble that Joshua Ayala recovered, setting up an eight-yard touchdown run by Walker to extend the lead to 21-7.

Venice answered quickly. Dome hit a deep pass and then found Aaron Miller on a slant to cut the deficit to 21-14 at halftime.

The Gondoliers opened the second half strong, tying the game when Dome hit Sharp on a tight end pop pass, which Sharp took 65 yards for a touchdown.

Norwalk took the lead back with a 9-minute drive that carried into the fourth quarter, ending in a touchdown and a 28-21 lead.

Venice fought back as Joshua Aaron took the handoff and broke through the defense for a 60-yard trip to paydirt. Instead of kicking the extra point to tie the game, Venice went for two, but Dome’s slant pass to Miller was dropped in the end zone, leaving Norwalk ahead 28-27.

The Gondoliers had one last chance after Walker fumbled with just one second left. Dome completed a pass to Aaron, who reached the 20-yard line before Walker made a game saving tackle to secure the victory.

Next week, Norwalk (4-0) stays home to battle Paramount, while Venice (2-2) returns home to take on Westlake.