Lancers finally win Holy War with Bells
If St. Francis was frustrated after 11 straight losses to its fiercest West Catholic Athletic League rival, that frustration was released in the first nine minutes of action on Friday night.
The Lancers (5-0, 2-0 WCAL) jumped out to a 21-0 first-quarter lead and held on late for a 21-12 victory at San Jose City College — their first Holy War win over Bellarmine since 2005.
Cyrus Habibi-Likio ran for a 58-yard score on the game’s opening drive, and Garrett McCarthy returned two punts for touchdowns to fuel St. Francis’ three-score lead before the first quarter ended.
“This is more about the alumni and all the players that came up just short over this streak,” said Habibi-Likio afterward.
While he was happy to spread praise to his teammates, he was the one holding the ball for almost the entire contest. His 19 carries for 114 yards made up nearly two-thirds of the Lancers’ plays from scrimmage, and more than 90 percent of the team’s offensive yardage.
Bellarmine (3-2, 1-1 WCAL) buckled down after the early punch to the gut. The Bells’ defense allowed just 54 yards from scrimmage after the opening 80-yard drive and controlled the pace, which set the stage for a valiant comeback attempt.
Bellarmine got a 4-yard touchdown run from Jackson Burrill in the third quarter and a fourth-quarter touchdown pass from Ike Ogbogu to Austin Ajiake. However, the St. Francis defense made plays at the end to seal the game. Bennett Williams collected his fourth interception of the year and sophomore Joshua Pakola and junior Tyler Manoa teamed up for three sacks.
#24 Heritage-Brentwood 54, #25 Liberty-Brentwood 21:
Twin brothers, Tyriq and Tyrese Mack, combined for 128 receiving yards, three interceptions and three touchdowns as the visiting Patriots defeated their cross-town rival in the Bay Valley Athletic League opener for both teams. Heritage (6-0) scored on its first four possessions and led 34-0 late in the first half. Liberty (3-3) turned the ball over six times. Each Mack brother caught one of Nick Zell’s three TD passes. Tyriq Mack had two interceptions and returned his second 76 yards for a score.
#3 Monte Vista 35, Granada 14:
Jack Haener threw three touchdown passes and Nate Landman caught two scoring passes, threw for another and was a disruptive presence on defense as the host Mustangs (5-0, 4-0 East Bay Athletic League) topped the Matadors (3-2, 0-2). Haener finished 11 of 18 for 178 yards. Landman threw a 63-yard touchdown pass off of a lateral to Brad Jacobsen for Monte Vista’s first score. Granada didn’t get a first down until just over two minutes to go in the first half.
#22 Half Moon Bay 36, Menlo School-Atherton 27:
Chase Hofmann shook off a shoulder injury to rush for a 36-yard game-clinching touchdown and finished with 238 yards and four touchdowns on 23 carries. Half Moon Bay (5-0, 1-0 Peninsula Athletic League-Ocean Division) led 36-6 before a late fourth-quarter push by Menlo (4-1, 0-1). Receiver Evan King (nine catches,120 yards, two TDs) and backup quarterback Emilio Simbeck (8-of-9, 104 yards, two TDs) had solid performances for the Knights.
St. Patrick-St. Vincent Vallejo 54, Harker -San Jose 7:
The host Bruins saw one streak end and another continue in their first home game of the season. St. Pat’s (5-0) bid for a fourth consecutive shutout ended in the second quarter, but it went on to score at least 45 for the fifth time. The Bruins have outscored their opponents this season 254-19
#14 Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa 50, Ukiah 7:
The host Cardinals (4-1, 2-0 North Bay League) spotted the Wildcats (4-1, 1-1) a touchdown on the game’s opening drive, but took control from there. Newman QB Jordon Brookshire was 18-for-24 for 336 yards and one touchdown and carried 13 times for 69 yards and three scores. The Cardinals had six sacks and four interceptions combined gainst three Ukiah quarterbacks.