Late Scores Halt Calvary Chapel, 28-10

Two fourth-quarter touchdowns clinched Ontario Christian’s 28-10 victory over Calvary Chapel, assuring the Knights at least a tie for the Olympic League title, and their first Southern Section playoff berth since 1986.

Ontario Christian, Calvary Chapel and Brethren Christian had 3-1 league records before Friday’s games. If Brethren Christian beats Valley Christian at home tonight, the Warriors will tie Ontario Christian for first place, but Brethren Christian would be seeded higher because it beat the Knights, 21-14, Oct. 23.

If Valley Christian (7-2, 2-2) beats Brethren Christian, the Crusaders will tie Calvary Chapel for third, and a coin toss will determine who goes to the playoffs.

Ontario Christian (8-2, 4-1) scored in the first quarter, on a three-play, 79-yard drive. As he was being tackled, running back Brett Kennon pitched the ball to Ken Gaudy, who ran 57 yards for the touchdown.

Less than a minute later, the Eagles’ Robert Hudson fumbled after a 23-yard run and Ontario Christian recovered on its 29.

The resulting drive ate up six minutes and ended with a five-yard scoring run by Kennon. Calvary Chapel (5-5, 3-2) scored with 13 seconds left in the half, as quarterback Waylan Kruse threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Jeremy Johnson just inside the left corner of the end zone. The Eagles closed to within four points in the third quarter when Arron Fountain kicked a 31-yard field goal to make it 14-10.

The Knights, who did not cross midfield in the third quarter, were forced to punt three times.

Eric DeGroot’s 21-yard run with 10:25 left in the game, gave the Knights their first first down of the second half. Two minutes later, DeGroot passed to Pat VanZyl, who was alone in the end zone.

DeGroot’s 13-yard touchdown pass was his only completion in four attempts, but he ran for 45 yards in seven carries and kicked three extra points.

Ontario Christian took over on downs with three minutes left. Five plays later, Gaudy ran right, turned and cut straight up the middle for a touchdown.