Sonora Thwarts Sunny Hills’ Two-Point Conversion to Win

Sonora intercepted Sunny Hills’ two-point conversion attempt with 31 seconds left in the game to secure a 21-20 Freeway League victory in front of 1,800 at Buena Park High Friday night.

The victory was the first for the Raiders over Sunny Hills in 10 years and more important, puts Sonora in the playoffs for the first time since 1985.

Sunny Hills, the defending Freeway and Southern Section Division VII champions, needs a victory over Troy next Friday to reach the playoffs.

“This is the greatest feeling in the world,” Sonora running back Adam Chez said.

Chez was a big reason the Raiders got the victory Friday.

Sonora trailed, 14-13, with just over five minutes remaining and was setting up for a go-ahead 30-yard field goal attempt. The Raiders (6-3, 3-1 in league) had already missed an extra-point and a 21-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter. Feeling the ball slip through his fingers on the snap, Chez got to his feet and raced to the five.

Two plays later, quarterback Kevin Rodriguez sneaked the ball over for a touchdown and Sonora converted the two-point attempt to lead, 21-14, with 4:15 left.

The Lancers (4-5, 2-2) were not finished as they put together a string of big plays and moved to the Raiders’ seven on a 24-yard pass play from Brad Knyal to Peter Rodriguez. Another Rodriguez reception put the ball at the one, where Knyal scored on a keeper.

Sunny Hills went for the victory, pitching the ball to Craig Borsari, whose pass was intercepted by Albert Lopez.