Big Plays Make Difference for Artesia in 34-13 Win

Artesia High School used several big plays to score early and often in the first half of its Southern Section Central Conference playoff game to beat Troy, 34-13, at Artesia High School.

Artesia took a 14-0 lead on a 70-yard touchdown run by Victor Matos and a one-yard touchdown run by Damon Davis. The second score was set up by a fumble recovery by Pioneer defensive lineman Chuck Guibotti at the Troy 35-yard line.

But the biggest play was yet to come.

With the Pioneers leading, 20-6, late in the first half, Troy quarterback Mike Pawlawski drove the Warriors to the Artesia seven with 32 seconds left in the half but was intercepted by defensive back Darin Bass in the end zone.

Bass returned the ball 102 yards for a touchdown to put the Pioneers ahead, 27-6.

“It was really a game of big plays and that was the biggest,” said Artesia Coach Vince LaRosa. “It looked like a sure score down there but Darin did a great job and turned the game completely around for us.”

Artesia (8-3) advances to play Valencia, which beat Los Amigos, 29-12. Troy finishes the season 8-3.

Pawlawski scored a one-yard touchdown run to cut the lead to 27-13 midway through the third quarter. But the Warriors were held scoreless the rest of the way.

Matos gained 175 yards in 19 carries for Artesia.