Bethel Christian Falls in Shootout

Santa Maria Valley Christian squandered a 22-point first quarter lead, then rallied to beat Lancaster Bethel Christian, 52-44, and win its first Southern Section Eight-Man Large Division title Saturday before about 400 at Bethel Christian.

“It was all heart,” said Valley Christian running back Mark Kirby, whose four-yard touchdown run with 45 seconds left helped the Lions overcome a 44-42 deficit.

Third-seeded Valley Christian (11-1) registered a safety eight seconds later to secure the victory.

“It just hurts so bad to go this far and want it for so long, then have it slip through your fingers,” said Bethel Christian running back Travis Alkire, who ran for 172 yards and two touchdowns in 23 carries.

Kirby finished with 103 yards in 23 carries and scored on two runs of four yards, as well as a 79-yard kickoff return and a 70-yard punt return. He also had two interceptions, including one at his five-yard line with 1:28 left to set up his game-winning touchdown.

Kirby’s two returns for touchdowns ignited a 30-8 first-quarter lead, and it appeared the Lions were on their way to another rout. Valley Christian had won eight consecutive games by halftime because of the 45-point rule, dating to Sept. 27 when Bethel Christian defeated the Lions, 32-14, in Santa Maria.

Top-seeded Bethel Christian (10-1) outgained Valley Christian in total yards, 361-224.

Travis Alkire carried 23 times for 172 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Tyler Thompson ran for one touchdown and passed for 99 yards, including a touchdown of four yards to Mark Carl and another of 64 yards to Brandon Eggerth, who also scored on a 44-yard run.