SCC Overcomes Mistakes for 20-14 Victory

Southern California Christian was able to overcome early mistakes to defeat La Verne Lutheran, 20-14, in an Arrowhead League football opener Saturday.

La Verne Lutheran had a chance to win in the closing minutes, but Trojan quarterback Paul Salinas fumbled on the Flame 26 with 23 seconds left.

The Flames dominated the line of scrimmage for most of the game, but the score remained close because they fumbled four times, three times inside the Trojan 20.

SCC’s running game came alive in the second half as the Flames controlled the clock behind Ron Wood, who rushed for 119 yards.

The Flames started the scoring late in the first half. After an 11-yard punt, the Flames scored in three plays, capped by quarterback Boomer Felton’s one-yard run. The conversion attempt failed, and La Verne Lutheran took a 7-6 lead when quarterback Paul Salinas ran 57 yards to score.

The Flames marched back and scored when David Enda completed a 22-yard halfback option pass to Felton. The conversion attempt again failed, and it was 12-7 at halftime.

The Flames scored in the second half when Keith Ridgeway took an inside handoff 40 yards for a touchdown. A successful two-point try made it 20-7.

The Trojans completed the scoring on a 70-yard touchdown pass from Salinas to Brent Nelson.

La Verne Lutheran had one more chance to win after recovering Wood’s fumble at the Trojan 43 with 1:54 left, but the Flame defensive line that chased Salinas all day forced the final turnover to end the game.