Muther’s Late Pass Leads Troy Past Los Amigos

Troy’s Steve Muther threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Mason with 31 seconds remaining to give the Warriors a 20-16 victory over Los Amigos in a Division VIII playoff game Friday night.

Mason’s touchdown completed a fourth-quarter rally by the Warriors, who trailed by nine midway through the fourth quarter.

The Warriors, who will play Aliso Niguel in the second round, drove 81 yards on eight plays, scoring on a three-yard run by Kyion Grayes, and trimmed the Lobos’ lead to 16-14, with about six minutes left. Grayes rushed 150 yards in 21 carries.

Los Amigos went three and out on its next possession. Troy received the ball at its 20 with 2:56 left. After an incomplete pass by Muther on third down and 12 at the Troy 18, it appeared the Warriors would have to try a desperation fourth-down play. But a roughing penalty gave Troy a first down.

Muther and Grayes took it from there. Muther threw 38 yards to J.D. Lawrence and nine yards to Grayes.

After Mason’s touchdown, Los Amigos drove from its 20 to the Warrior 26. With six seconds remaining, Thong Nguyen threw into the end zone but the pass was intercepted by Lawrence.

Troy’s Adrian Vargas returned the game’s opening kickoff 41 yards to the Lobos’ 49. Two plays later, Grayes ran for a 43-yard score.