Cerritos Valley Christian Controls Ball, Whittier Christian

CERRITOS — Boosted by running back Mark Garciano’s 173 rushing yards, Cerritos Valley Christian controlled the ball all night and beat Whittier Christian, 21-6, in an Olympic League game Friday at Crusader Field.

Garciano gave the Heralds (5-4, 4-0) a 21-0 lead on the fifth play after halftime. He dashed 38 yards for his only touchdown of the night. Garciano carried the ball 22 times.

Both teams kept the ball on the ground for most of the night. Matt Jones and Alex Petrie carried most of the offensive load for the Heralds (4-5, 0-4), rushing for 52 and 45 yards respectively.

Aside from his scoring run, Garciano set up Valley Christian’s two touchdowns.

After Whittier Christian quarterback Matt Thompson fumbled on the Heralds’ opening possession, the Crusaders took over on their 35. Eleven plays later, Garciano bolted for 20 yards to the Heralds’ nine-yard line.

Three plays later, Lucas Castlen dived in for the 7-0 lead.

On its next drive, Valley Christian got to the Whittier Christian one-yard line after another 20-yard gain by Garciano.

Crusader quarterback Tim Vanderhook made it 14-0 on a keeper.

The Heralds scored their lone touchdown on a 15-yard pass from Thompson to Jacob Villa late in the third quarter.