PREP FOOTBALL : Friday’s Highlights : Westchester Races Past University

Ron Edwards, unfortunately, will not be remembered for his 85-yard punt return early in the third quarter of Friday afternoon’s University-Westchester game, but only for what it triggered. He took Westchester’s punt at the 15-yard line and ran for a touchdown, giving University a 20-12 lead.

Immediately, University unravelled in an unbelievable nine-minute span. The Warriors fumbled twice, threw an interception, kicked a seven-yard punt from their 13-yard line, gave up 34 straight points and watched their Pac-8 League championship hopes dwindle in a 46-28 loss at University.

Kevin Owens rushed 11 times for 170 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Comets, most of those yards coming in the third quarter.

And what a quarter it was. With University leading, 14-12, Westchester took the second-half kickoff and could manage only a first down before punting from its 43. Edwards slashed left, broke a tackle near the sideline and was gone 85 yards for the score. It was 20-12, and the Warriors’ momentum was growing.

“Then,” said Westchester Coach Larry Wein, “we went out there with some intensity.”

On the next play from scrimmage, Owens made a remarkable run. He was stopped completely at the Westchester 45 before breaking free and completing a 70-yard touchdown run. It was 20-20.

Two minutes later, Owens was back in the end zone again, rushing three yards for a touchdown after University had fumbled on its first play from scrimmage. The run conversion failed, and it was 26-20.

University got the ball back and put together a first down on two runs. But, on the next play, quarterback Craig Perry’s pass was intercepted by Tyrone Harris. Perry, who completed 19 of 30 passes for 238 yards, then watched on the sideline as Westchester quarterback Damion Smith threw 30 yards over the middle to Byron Smith on the next play for a touchdown and a 32-20 lead.

University tried three plays and punted, but Adam Grant’s kick traveled only seven yards. Since the line of scrimmage was the 13 13when he kicked it, the Warriors were in more trouble. This time, it took Westchester five plays to get in the end zone, Tim Holliday rushing two yards for the touchdown. University subsequently fumbled, and Holliday was back in again in two plays, this time from 13 yards out as the third quarter ended.

It was 46-20 and virtually over, the Comets having scored 34 points in just over nine minutes.

Westchester improved to 5-2 overall and 3-2 in the Pac-8 League. University, which had hoped for a league championship game Nov. 13 against undefeated Reseda, drops to 5-2 and 4-2.