Final Play Ends Sonora’s Upset Bid : DIVISION VII

Nick Terrones’ 16-yard touchdown pass to Ramon Arias on the game’s final play lifted Lompoc to a 27-25 victory over Sonora in the first round of the Southern Section Division VII playoffs Friday night at Huyck Stadium.

Terrones, who had three of his eight first-half passes intercepted, drove the Braves (8-3) 75 yards in seven plays in the final 1 minute 10 seconds finding Arias at the goal line as time expired.

The score nullified a remarkable effort by the Raiders (6-5), who went ahead, 25-21, with 1:16 remaining when Cubby Kelly (23 carries, 121 yards) scored on a five-yard run.

Losing what would have been a remarkable upset left Sonora Coach Mark Takkinen despondent afterward.

“We probably went to the prevent defense a little too soon. They had a great drive,” said Takkinen, whose team was making its first playoff appearance since 1985. “I never feel like we’re on our way to a win until there’s no time left.”

When no time was left, Brave players were celebrating in a pile at the 25-yard line.

Included among the revelers was the 6-foot-2 Arias, who used his height advantage over 5-10 defender Noel Ishikawa to outreach him for the game-winning reception.

Sonora converted three of four first-half turnovers by the Braves into touchdowns and led, 18-7, at halftime. Those touchdowns included a nine-yard pass from Kevin Rodriguez to Kelly, a 17-yard run by Ishikawa and a one-yard Rodriguez plunge.