MidValleySports.Com

By Tristian Rios

(Norwalk) – Norwalk’s defense stepped up in key situations to secure a 21-14 victory over Paramount Friday night at Norwalk High School. 

On Norwalk’s first possession the Pirates’ defense was tough and forced a three and out. 

The Paramount offense went out and did what the Lancers are known for and just ran it up the field into the end zone with Dae’jon Massey and took a 7-0 lead. 

Norwalk’s offense was stuffed again and forced to punt. 

The Lancers got a little momentum when they forced a turnover on downs. They followed that with a drive down the field and a Da’Ron Walker two-yard touchdown to tie the game midway through the second quarter. 

Riley Howard came up with a big tackle for a loss for Norwalk that forced a punt. The score stood at 7-7 for the first half. 

Paramount took the first possession of the second half but the Lancers defense again stood strong and stopped a run heavy Pirates attack. 

Norwalk took the lead on its next possession when Diego Cerritos found paydirt from five yards out to make it 14-0.

The Pirates offense was shut down when Marcus Castillo fell on a loose ball and gave Norwalk a short field to work with. 

Walker went back to work for the Lancers finding the end zone again make the score 21-7 late in the third quarter. 

Paramount went to the air and quarterback Nicko Hernandez found an open Anthony for a 15-yard touchdown cutting the lead to seven. 

Norwalk’s offense gave life back to the Pirates when quarterback Axel Hernandez fumbled a snap and Neysen Seu fell on top of it. 

Paramount went back to the air as Hernandez tried to tie it with a pass to the endzone but Walker stepped in front of it for an interception. 

The Pirates got the ball back one more time but Norwalk forced a turnover on downs and was able to run out the clock. 

Walker had 15-touches for 108-yards two touchdowns and an interception. Cerritos led the team with 125-yards on 16-carries and a score. 

Massey led the Pirates with 110 yards rushing and a touchdown.

The Lancers remained undefeated at 5-0 and have a bye next week. Paramount falls to 3-2 and will also take a much-needed week off.