Stern Rallies Pacifica Past Woodbridge

Quarterback J.D. Stern’s 28-yard touchdown pass to Darrell Miles with 58 seconds remaining led Pacifica to a 31-22 nonleague victory over Woodbridge Friday at Bolsa Grande.

Defensive back Jason Simpson’s 47-yard interception return for a touchdown sealed the victory for Pacifica with 23 seconds left.

Woodbridge (0-1), which ran its winless streak to 13 games, had its first lead of the game when quarterback Adam Lawyer scored on a one-yard plunge with three minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Pacifica (1-0) started the scoring when Miles returned an interception 54 yards for a touchdown with 3:22 left in the first quarter. The Warriors scored on the ensuing kickoff on an 82-yard return by Anthony Valanos with help from linemen Josh Dokulil, who provided a key block at the 30-yard line.

Pacifica opened the second half scoring on a three-play, 83-yard drive, capped by a 67-yard touchdown pass from Stern to wide receiver Geoff Gilpin with 10:57 left in the third quarter.

Stern, an all-league performer in 1995, completed 14 of 28 passes for 289 yards.

Gilpin was one of two favorite targets, catching four passes for 133 yards. Miles caught four passes for 101 yards.

The Warriors’ defense played well despite the huge yardage racked up by Stern, limiting the Mariners to minus 28 yards rushing.

Woodbridge running back Billy Battle gained 95 yards in 21 carries, including a 32-yard run that set up a fourth-quarter touchdown.