Orange Lutheran, Freeman Rush Past La Mirada

Travis Freeman rushed for 101 yards, including the game-winning 73-yard touchdown, to lead Orange Lutheran to a 28-21 victory over La Mirada in the opener for both teams Friday at Brea Olinda High.

With the score tied, 21-21, Freeman broke away from several La Mirada tacklers near midfield and raced through the Matadores’ secondary and scored with 5 minutes 10 seconds left in the game.

On La Mirada’s next possession, Lancer defensive lineman Les Tingley pounced on Jeff Nicolini’s fumble at the Orange Lutheran 13-yard line to preserve the lead.

The Lancers took a 7-0 lead on their opening drive when Pat Sims scored on an end-around with 9:33 left in the first quarter. Orange Lutheran made it 14-0 with 6:10 left in the opening period when quarterback Nick Odenath hit Mike Crawford with an 80-yard touchdown pass.

On the scoring play, the Lancers faced a third and 15 at their 20, but Crawford split the safeties and was wide open when he caught Odenath’s pass at the Matadores’ 45 and raced untouched into the end zone.

Odenath completed 13 of 21 passes for 191 yards on the night, but threw two interceptions which let the Matadores back in the game.

La Mirada scored its first touchdown with 11:14 left in the first half when Steven Coumparoules went in from two yards. A pair of Jimmy Zurn field goals in the third quarter brought La Mirada within one, 14-13.

The Lancers jumped to a 21-13 lead with 9:32 left in the game when Sims scored his second touchdown from two yards.