Loara’s Late Touchdown Is Difference in Victory

Loara got a big scare from Anaheim but came back to win, 28-22, with late scores and defense, shutting out the Colonists in the second half Friday night at Glover Stadium.

Loara had risen to eighth in the Division V rankings after its victory over Western last week, but the Saxons were pushed around by the Colonists early in the game.

Loara trailed, 22-20, until the first play of the fourth quarter when running back John Duhon took an option pitch around the right side for a 27-yard touchdown. Quarterback Archie Lappin ran in for the two-point conversion.

Lappin completed 11 of 18 passes for 114 yards. Duhon rushed for 155 yards in 24 carries and scored two touchdowns. Anaheim quarterback Luis Gomez completed 22 of 26 passes for 327 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in the losing effort.

Loara scored in the third quarter on a 19-yard pass from Lappin to Nathan Robbins to pull within two points. Anaheim bit on a play-action fake and Robbins was wide open over the middle.

Loara (2-0) faces Los Alamitos next Friday at Handel Stadium. Anaheim (0-2) will host Irvine at Glover Stadium on Thursday.