Brethren Christian Gets One Key Play to Beat St. Bernard

Brethren Christian quarterback David Priestley completed a 12-yard touchdown pass to Jay Cristensen early in the fourth quarter and the Warriors held on for a 6-2 victory over Playa del Rey St. Bernard in the first round of the Southern Section Division X playoffs Friday night at St. Bernard High.

Both teams struggled on a sloppy turf. Brethren Christian’s David Eaimch recovered a fumble by running back Andre Johnson with 1 minute 24 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

The Warriors drove 69 yards on 10 plays before Priestley found Cristensen in the end zone on fourth down and goal for the only touchdown.

St. Bernard (5-6) took advantage of a Brethren Christian penalty on the ensuing kickoff to take over at the Warrior 45 yard line.

The Vikings’ attempt to drive for the go-ahead touchdown was thwarted when defensive back Jeff Grow made his third interception with 8:49 remaining in the game.

St. Bernard scored its only points with 31 seconds remaining in the first quarter as Justin Bell blocked a punt by Jeff McVay.

The ball went out of the end zone before Bell could recover for the safety.

Brethren Christian will play Nordhoff next week.