PREP EXTRA / SOUTHERN SECTION PLAYOFFS : DIVISION VII : Arroyo Grande Knocks Out Fullerton Despite Turnovers

A safety midway through the fourth quarter proved costly Friday night for Fullerton.

Indian quarterback Gabriel Almanza was called for intentionally grounding the ball in the end zone to avoid a sack, putting Arroyo Grande up by nine points.

The Eagles went on to score a late touchdown, clinching a 23-7 victory in a first-round game of the Southern Section Division VII playoffs at Doug Hitchen Stadium.

“I’d have to read the rule book before commenting on that play,” Fullerton Coach Julian Smilowitz said, “but that’s the first time I’ve seen points given on a penalty.”

Arroyo Grande (9-1) won despite turning the ball over four times, including three lost fumbles.

The game started poorly for Arroyo Grande.

Sophomore Jimmy Pratt fumbled the opening kickoff twice. The second muff was recovered by Fullerton’s Wayne Navarro at the 16-yard line and Christopher Young needed only one play to put the Indians up, 7-0.

Young ran 16 yards on a sweep around right end for the touchdown.

But Fullerton (6-5) didn’t score the rest of the game, and Arroyo Grande bounced back with 312 yards of total offense.

The Eagle defense held Young, Fullerton’s 1,100-yard rusher, to only 45 yards in 13 carries. It also limited the Indians to 69 yards rushing and 158 yards in total offense.