FOOTBALL : Washington Stuns Banning, 7-6

Washington High won a football game for the ages Thursday night, defeating Banning, 7-6, in a Southern Pacific Conference game at Daniels Field in San Pedro. Which age isn’t quite clear.

“No one here ever remembers Washington beating Banning in the last 20 years,” Washington Coach Edmund Johnson said. “This win has been a long time coming.”

With Banning clinging to a 6-0 fourth-quarter lead, Washington defensive back Jim McElroy picked up a fumble by Banning tailback Sean Turner.

McElroy pitched the ball to linebacker Doniel Webster, who ran untouched down the left sideline for a 17-yard touchdown with 3:25 left. James Torrence kicked the extra point to give Washington a 7-6 lead.

“We hit (Turner) hard and I just happened to be there for the pitch,” Webster said. “I can’t take all the credit.”

Banning took a 6-0 lead with 3:35 to play in the third quarter. A fumble recovery by linebacker Jesus Gutierrez at the Washington five-yard line set up a three-yard touchdown run by Turner. Jaime Torres’ extra-point attempt sailed wide left.

“The defense has played well enough to win all our games, but our offense is having its problems,” Gutierrez said. Washington quarterback Amar Brisco completed only three of 11 attempts for 17 yards and the Generals were limited to 61 yards rushing.

The Pilots managed 110 yards rushing, 80 by Turner in 17 carries. London McBride completed only one of three passes for seven yards.

Records: Washington 3-3; Banning 3-3

Next week: Crenshaw at Washington.