La Habra Drops Sonora Into Second-Place Tie

La Habra’s defense gave up significant yardage, but timely second-half plays enabled the Highlanders to hold on to a 24-7 Freeway League victory over Sonora Friday night at La Habra High.

The victory, coupled with Troy’s 28-0 victory over Sunny Hills, eliminated Sonora’s chance for its first league title since 1975.

The Raiders now must await coin flips today between La Habra, Buena Park and themselves to decide the second- and third-place spots in the playoffs.

Sonora (6-4, 3-2 in league) must have felt good about its chances Friday night after Cubby Kelly took the second play of the game 78 yards for a touchdown.

However, La Habra (4-6, 3-2) put together an 11-play, 65-yard drive on its next possession that ended with a 28-yard touchdown pass from Sonje Berg to Will McIntosh.

McIntosh’s 22-yard field goal on the last play of the half made it 10-7.

After Kelly intercepted Berg’s pass at the La Habra 45, the Raiders quickly drove to the 14 and appeared to be ready to take the lead. However, Donny Cisneros intercepted a Kevin Rodriguez pass at the 12.

Later in the third quarter, Sonora again drove deep into La Habra territory, but Alex Lopez sacked Rodriguez on third down for a 10-yard loss. Alex Aldaco then swatted away a pass in the end zone to end another Sonora scoring chance.