Esperanza Safety Snatches Game From Westminster

Esperanza High School free safety Derrick Reaves intercepted four Westminster passes Friday night to lead the undefeated Aztecs to a 21-0 victory in a nonleague game at Westminster High School.

Reaves, a 6-2, 175-pound senior, broke open a scoreless defensive struggle with 16 seconds left in the first half when he picked off Lion quarterback Johnny Mahurien’s pass on the Aztec 31 and returned it 69 yards for a touchdown.

In the fourth quarter, the Aztecs finally mounted a 68-yard scoring drive. Jarod Smith dashed for 29 yards to the Lion 18-yard line. A face mask penalty put the ball on the nine and three plays later fullback Mark Parlin scored from the three. Clay King kicked his second of three conversions for a 14-0 Aztec lead.

Westminster threatened by driving to the Aztec 10 behind Lucas Jones’ 44-yard run, but on fourth down, Reaves intercepted Kirk Pierce’s pass on the five and returned the ball 34 yards to the 39.

Reaves’ third interception of the game gave Esperanza the ball on their own 35 and on the first play from scrimmage, Smith broke loose for a 65-yard touchdown run to put the game out of reach with 2:05 remaining.

Reaves’ fourth steal ended Westminster’s final possession and the Aztecs ran out the clock.