Redlands’ Late Touchdown Eliminates Esperanza, 6-0

Daryl Smith scored on a five-yard run with 5 minutes 21 seconds left in the game to give Redlands a 6-0 victory over Esperanza in the opening round of the Southern Section Division I playoffs Friday night at the University of Redlands.

The touchdown capped a 63-yard drive that broke up a defensive battle. The extra point try by Brian Ullon was wide.

Linny Hart, who entered the game as the Terriers’ leading rusher, had two big carries in the scoring drive. Hart, with only 23 yards entering the fourth quarter, had runs of 21 and 15 yards to set up the score.

Esperanza (8-3), tri-champion of the Sunset League, saved its best drive for last. David Parrish had completions of eight yards to Nick Rossi, 17 to Rod Jackson and nine to John Clark. On fourth and five from the Redlands 30, Larry Miranda intercepted Parrish’s pass, only his fifth this season in 223 tries.

Redlands (9-2), with a 34-yard run by quarterback Amisho Lewis, was able to run out the clock to preserve the victory.

“Our defense played an incredible, incredible game,” said Redlands Coach Jim Walker.

Esperanza had 22 yards rushing to go with Parrish’s 178 yards passing.

Redlands stayed on the ground for most of the game with 51 rushing tries and only one pass completion.

Redlands threatened twice in the first quarter. The Terriers drove 51 yards on their initial drive before Scott Dobashi intercepted a Lewis pass on the Aztec five-yard line.

Esperanza was able to gain only seven yards on the ensuing drive and a 28-yard punt gave Redlands the ball on Aztec 39. The Terriers drove to the 14-yard line, before Ullon, attempting a 31-yard field goal, slipped on his approach and the kick was short.