Doherty Gets Busy Early

The Birmingham High football team is one that will soon be without the symbol of a Brave as its mascot.

It is also a team without a loss.

Birmingham quarterback Scott Doherty passed for five touchdowns and 230 yards and the Braves improved to 4-0 by defeating San Fernando, 45-24, in a Northwest Valley Conference opener.

Birmingham started early. The Braves scored less then two minutes into the game when Doherty threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Minor.

On the ensuing conversion attempt, Doherty, who was the holder, ran around the right end for two points.

Doherty also had a 19-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter to Jerome Riley, and Birmingham led, 15-6, after the first quarter.

Riley, who helped Birmingham pick up the slack for missing offensive starters Bobby Davis and Demetrus Patterson, out for various reasons, had three touchdown receptions and 136 yards on six catches.

“Tonight we were missing two Division I prospects and we stepped up big time,” Birmingham Coach Dave Lertzman said.

San Fernando (2-2, 0-1) had 170 yards offense, with 47 coming on a touchdown reception by Cedrick Hinkles.

San Fernando played without standout running back Major Caldwell, who was out with a sprained shoulder, and struggled to get its offense unleashed. Half of San Fernando’s points were set up by Birmingham miscues.

Hilario Vazquez returned a fumble 27 yards for San Fernando’s second touchdown just before halftime. The Tigers trailed 25-12.

Doherty continued his hot hand in third quarter. He threw a pair of touchdown passes to Riley that helped seal the game for Birmingham.

“Riley is one of the guys that really came through. Him and Doherty did a great job,” Lertzman said.

Because San Fernando was effective in stopping Birmingham running back Emmanuel Evans, (13 carries, 70 yards) Lertzman said their contributions were critical.

“San Fernando is an explosive and talented team,” Lertzman said. “They keyed on Evans and forced to go elsewhere for offense.”