Linfield Takes Care of SCC Despite Sluggish First Half

Temecula Linfield overcame a lackluster offensive performance in the first half to defeat Southern California Christian, 21-6, in a Christian League game Friday at SCC.

The Lions (4-3-1, 2-1) capitalized on a blocked punt by Curtis Krause when Cory Sousa scooped up the ball and ran it in from 63 yards out.

Linfield had a total of five offensive plays in the first half. One of those plays was a 25-yard pass from quarterback Joe Skovron to Marcus Kramer to put the Lions up 14-0 at the half.

The Lions scored another touchdown in the third quarter when Skovron ran it in from the one-yard line on a quarterback sneak. Southern California Christian (3-4, 0-2) scored in the fourth quarter when quarterback David Mack ran it in from the 10.

Linfield Coach Bert Esposito said his biggest concern was stopping Southern California Christian fullback Tony Chandler. Chandler rushed 147 yards in 23 carries, but did not play the second half because of an injury.

It was sort of a homecoming for Esposito, who left SCC two years ago. He led the Flames to a Southern Section Division X championship in 1991. “I wanted to beat these guys tonight,” he said. “Inside the lines, it’s just another football game. I just want to take my team to the playoffs.