L.A. Baptist Takes Matters Into Own Hands, 40-14

With a playoff berth on the line, L.A. Baptist High wasn’t taking any chances.

The Knights cranked up their passing attack Thursday night in a 40-14 Alpha League victory over Pasadena Marshall at Alemany High.

The Knights (7-3, 2-2 in league play) clinched a Southern Section Division XII playoff berth by finishing third in the league.

It also brought a sigh of relief from Coach Mark Bates of L.A. Baptist.

“I thought we would would go to the playoffs whether we won or lost,” Bates said. “But I didn’t want to rely on some selection committee.”

Scott Swenson did most of the damage for L.A. Baptist, completing 14 of 18 passes for 225 yards and three touchdowns.

Reserve Jason French was two of two for 47 yards and a touchdown.

Swenson completed eight of 11 for 149 and two touchdowns in the first half, when the Knights built a 26-0 lead.

All three of Swenson’s touchdown passes went to Steven Long, who finished with seven receptions for 142 yards. Richard Wendt had five catches for 79 yards and a touchdown.

The Knights had 457 yards of offense to offset 110 yards in penalties.

Marshall fell to 2-8, 1-3.