San Pedro’s Offense Overpowers Hamilton in City 3-A Playoffs

San Pedro High rushed to beat Hamilton in a City Section 3-A Division quarterfinal football game Wednesday night at Daniels Field.

Backed by an efficient and effective running game and an opportunistic defense, the Pirates (10-1-1) scored early and often in defeating the visiting Yankees, 39-15.

Tailback Jerry Williams broke loose for 114 yards and a touchdown, and halfback Ambrose Russo contributed 77 yards in 11 carries. San Pedro finished the game with 274 total rushing yards.

The Pirates were also effective in stopping the run. In recovering four Hamilton turnovers, the San Pedro defense held the Yankees (5-7) to minus-26 yards rushing.

“We’ve recovered 32 more turnovers than we’ve surrendered so we just don’t give the ball up,” San Pedro Coach Mike Walsh said. “That’s the name of the game. We preach that to all our runners, to cover up the ball when they go through.

“If you can limit your turnovers and do something with theirs, most times you’re going to come out on top. That’s what happened tonight.”

Leading, 20-7, at halftime, San Pedro put the game away in the third quarter on two Chris Pappas field goals and an eight-yard touchdown run by Williams.

The Pirates’ final score was set up by Bryan Castaneda’s interception, the fourth Hamilton turnover that San Pedro turned into points.

With the victory, the Pirates, who defeated Hamilton, 26-0, earlier in the season, advance to the Dec. 4 semifinal where they will meet Palisades, a 6-3 winner over South Gate.