Saturday, November 2, 2024

LJ FB 27, UC 48 - End of regular season

Viking defenders swarm UC back Jahlon
Adams (left) for a TFL (tackle for loss):
Jett Thomas (far left, behind), Asher Sternberg
(40), and a teammate (helmet next to ball on left).
Also in view is Jack Long (45). (Photo by Ed Piper)


By Ed Piper

La Jolla (2-2 in the Eastern League) stumbled to the close of its Eastern League schedule with a 48-27 loss on Senior Night at the hands of University City (3-1) Fri., Nov. 1, that at times was painful to watch.

The Vikings (6-4 overall), who started the season with three powerful victories over respected foes, led the Centurions 21-7 midway through the second quarter.

University City then proceeded to score 41 unanswered points, until La Jolla scored a face-saving touchdown as time ran out at the end of the game.

The evening started with the pregame introductions of the 17 Viking seniors and their families, including All-CIF lineman Jett Thomas, a commit to San Diego State.

But the realities of La Jolla's recent up-and-down output quickly surfaced, with a fumble on the opening drive giving way to UC receiver Tay Lockett's 45-yard catch-and-run from quarterback Quentyn DeMara for an early 7-0 lead.

DeMara, a junior coming into the contest with 28 passing TD's and eight more on the ground, only added to his portfolio as he threw and dished to an assortment of receivers and backs, including Lockett (two scores), running back Nakeem Jones (3 TD's in a row), and Dreyden Garner (a pair of receptions).

The hosts sparkled early: Aidan McGill rushed for a 7-7 tie. Nico Bardaro took a Hudson Smith aerial for 31 yards and a TD.

Finally, Smith, showing confidence, ran in on a keeper from five yards out for the 21-7 advantage.

Things didn't last.

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