Maciel Blocks Lompoc’s Way, Lifts Oxnard, 28-27

Adrian Maciel blocked two extra points, including one with nine minutes to play, enabling Oxnard High to hang on for a 28-27 victory over Lompoc in a Southern Section Division III first-round game Friday night at Lompoc.

Maciel’s fourth-quarter heroics followed a 63-yard touchdown run by Lompoc’s Anthony Perkins.

Oxnard (8-2-1), which finished third in the Channel League, built a 28-14 lead by halftime.

The Yellowjackets’ first play from scrimmage was a 72-yard run by fullback Chad Pierson, who scored the first of his two touchdowns three plays later on a one-yard run.

Pierson, a senior who also plays linebacker, finished with 190 yards--including eight first downs--in 22 carries, and scored from two yards with 23 seconds remaining in the first half.

Oxnard used its ground game to control the clock, holding the ball for 31:35 to 16:25 for Lompoc (9-2).

Joey Rivas connected with Eric Swanger on a 39-yard scoring pass play, and a 41-yard pass play to Aaron Neal set up Pierson’s second score.

After Maciel saved the game with the second blocked extra-point, Oxnard embarked on a 12-play, 57-yard drive that chewed up 7:30 and included a 23-yard run up the middle by Pierson.

Desmond Davis carried 17 times for 101 yards for the Yellowjackets.

Oxnard recorded two sacks with under two minutes remaining on Lompoc’s final possession.