Savanna Rides Two Timely Kicks Into Playoffs

Kenny Casteneda’s 24-yard field goal with 13 seconds left gave Savanna a 23-22 victory over Western Friday night and an automatic berth in next week’s Southern Section Division IX playoffs.

The battle for third in the Orange League was settled by the kicking game. After Savanna scored a touchdown on a Micos Benjamin’s six-yard run to reduce Western’s lead to 22-20 with 2:46 left to play, the Rebels were forced to gamble.

Savanna Coach Fred Di Palma had Buddy Kendrick, rather than his usual kicker, Casteneda, attempt the on-side kick.

“We have used him before in this situation,” Di Palma said. “That was sure a nice bounce.”

Kendrick’s kick bounced over the front defensive line and Savanna’s Tommy Sutter won the scramble for the ball at the Western 33.

Six consecutive runs by Benjamin (36 carries, 182 yards) took Savanna (5-5, 3-2 in league) to the eight-yard line to set up the winning kick.

Western (5-4-1, 2-2-1) took a 6-0 lead on the third play of the game when David Gober raced 82-yards for a touchdown.

Savanna countered with a 33-yard touchdown run by Benjamin (36 carries, 182 yards) on the first play of the second quarter.

Western’s Will Ruffin scored from the two with 1:11 left in the half for a 12-7 lead at halftime.