Calvary Chapel Is Left Behind When St. Bernard Rallies

St. Bernard reserve running back Javier Hanson scored two touchdowns and lead the Vikings to a 21-17 comeback victory over visiting Calvary Chapel in a Southern Section Division X first-round playoff game Friday night.

Hanson’s winning touchdown came on a two-yard plunge with eight seconds remaining to give St. Bernard its only lead of the game. Hanson, who had not played in the previous 10 quarters because of a sprained right knee, came into the game in the second half and rushed for 72 yards in nine carries.

The Vikings (6-5) needed a desperation 38-yard completion from quarterback Jamie Brooks to Robert McNeil on fourth and 36 with just over one minute remaining to keep the winning drive alive. On the next play, Brooks rolled out left before coming back across the field and connecting with Jason Willis for a 15-yard reception and a first down at the Calvary Chapel two-yard line to set up Hanson’s winning score.

Calvary Chapel (7-3-1) took a 17-14 lead midway through the fourth quarter after a 23-yard field goal by John Linzey. St. Bernard came back down the field but Shannon Angelletti coughed up the ball inside the Calvary Chapel 10-yard line and the Eagles withstood the Viking challenge.

The Eagles took a 14-7 lead in the third quarter when quarterback Dan Murrietta kept the ball on a two-yard option play for the score. The Eagles totaled 251 rushing yards, 163 on Keith Short’s 20 carries.

But it was Hanson again who brought St. Bernard back, scoring on the very next kickoff as he traveled 85 yards for a touchdown that tied the score at 14-14.