SHP runs into Open D-III final
Hillsdale rallies past Silver Creek in D-IV
WATSONVILLE — Sacred Heart Prep rode its running backs to a 33-10 victory over host Monte Vista Christian on Friday night in the Central Coast Section Open Division III semifinals.
Lapitu Mahoni and Isoa Moimoi rushed for a combined 304 yards and four touchdowns for the Gators (9-3), who advanced to a CCS final for the fifth straight year.
“They’re both really good,” SHP coach Pete Lavorato said. “They run hard and they run smart, and they’re both getting better and better, which is nice.”
Sacred Heart Prep will face Archbishop Riordan, which defeated the Gators earlier this season, in next week’s final.
Mahoni rushed for 134 of his team-high 158 yards in the first half, scoring each of SHP’s first three touchdowns to stake SHP to a lead that would prove insurmountable.
“I’ve got to give it to my linemen,” Lapitu said. “They made the right calls, and they made the right blocks. I just had to hit the holes.”
Moimoi, meanwhile, finished with 146 yards and one TD on 18 carries. The junior did most of his damage in the second half, running out the clock and scoring in the fourth quarter to all but seal the win.
“When I get the ball, he’s blocking well,” Lapitu said. “When he gets the ball, I’m blocking well. We don’t take plays off, whether we get the ball or not.”
Sacred Heart Prep threw just enough to keep MVC’s defense honest, with senior quarterback Mason Randall completing 6-of-8 passes for 149 yards and one TD. Nick O’Donnell had 124 of those yards on just three catches, hauling in a 53-yard touchdown pass from Randall in the second quarter.
The game swung in Sacred Heart Prep’s favor midway through the first quarter after senior linebacker Andrew Daschbach recovered a fumble near midfield with the Gators clinging to a 7-3 lead. Randall threw an interception on the ensuing drive that turned into a 15-yard gain when the pick was nullified by a pass interference penalty that moved the ball down to MVC’s 18-yard line.
Mahoni covered the remaining distance to the end zone on the next two plays, punching the ball in from 4 yards out to help SHP go up 14-3 with 2:53 remaining in the first quarter.
SHP’s defense performed solidly, holding Monte Vista Christian (102) to a field goal on its opening drive and not yielding any more points until the game was well in hand. Senior lineman Brian O’Kelly recorded two sacks and junior defensive back James Kirkham had an interception for the Gators’ D.