Up early, Blackhawks escape with win over Bulldogs
REDLANDS >> The Citrus Valley football team went into the locker room at halftime Friday night with a sizable lead and every ounce of momentum.
Kurt Bruich probably did not think his team would be in survival mode in the final quarter against Oak Hills.
But there the Blackhawks were at the end, scratching and clawing for every yard to maintain possession of the ball and run out the final 4:42 on the clock to escape with a 21-19 nonleague win.
“I’d say that we came out a little flat after halftime. And that is probably an understatement,” Bruich said. “We made some big plays at the end to hold on. It is a good learning experience.”
Citrus Valley’s Jeremiah Claiborne runs for a touchdown in the first quarter of its 21-19win Friday over Oak Hills.
Citrus Valley (3-0) dominated the opening half on its way to a 21-0 lead at halftime.
The Blackhawks scored
on the opening possession of the game, as Jordan McLaughlin ran the ball in for an 8-yard touchdown.
Oak Hills had a couple of chances to even the score, but came away empty despite being in goal-to-go situations. A fumble ended one drive and the Bulldogs (3-1) turned the ball over on downs at the Citrus Valley 1 another time.
“That hurt us,” Oak Hills coach Robert Metzger said. “We have to tighten things up in those spots and come away with points.”
Citrus Valley put together an impressive 16play, 99-yard drive to double its lead. Hunter Herrera went 8 for 10 for 98 yards on the drive, including a 5-yard touchdown to Gene Gallegos with 5:15 remaining in the first half.
Herrera connected with Brockton Lium for a 15-yard touchdown with 18 seconds left in the half to extend the lead to 21-0.
Oak Hills stormed back during the second half. Prince Thomas scored on a 7-yard run to get the Bulldogs on the scoreboard, and Andrew Garcia connected with Jayon Gillett for a 45yard touchdown on the final play of the third quarter to cut the deficit to 21-13.
Noah Lopez returned an interception 58 yards for a touchdown to get Oak Hills within 21-19 with 10:36 left in the game. The Bulldogs appeared to have tied the game on the 2-point conversion but were flagged for having too many players on the field. After two more penalties, one on each team, Oak Hills’ third attempt to tie the game was no good.
After each team punted, Citrus Valley took over with 4:42 left. Michael Counce and McLaughlin each picked up first downs to help the Blackhawks hold on.