Nauta, Griffins Finish Strong

Los Alamitos broke open what had been a close defensive battle with three fourth-quarter scores, to beat Lakewood, 28-0, in the first round of the Southern Section Division I playoffs Friday night at Gahr High.

Griffin running back Adam Nauta rushed for 109 of his 139 yards in the fourth quarter, including touchdown runs of 60 and 51 yards. The Lakewood defense held Los Alamitos (10-1) to only six points and 157 yards of total offense in the first three quarters, but gave up big plays when they counted most.

“Their defense is the toughest front we’ve faced all year,” Los Alamitos Coach John Barnes said. “But I love that we’re tough enough to have that spark left at the end.”

Leading 6-0 at the beginning of the fourth quarter, Griffin quarterback Mike Sanford hit Steve Shinen in the flat for 18 yards to cap a seven-play, 75-yard drive. Shinen was hit as he lunged for the goal line for Los Alamitos’ first touchdown.

Nauta broke the first of his long scoring runs--51 yards--on the Griffins’ next possession. His second score--from 60 yards--came with just over a minute remaining.

Overshadowed, perhaps, by the fourth-quarter offensive fireworks was Los Alamitos’ defense, which recorded its third shutout of the season. The Griffins allowed Lakewood (5-6) only 150 yards of total offense, and are holding their opponents to less than 12 points per game.

“They’ve kept us in every game,” Barnes said. “They kept giving us chances. They just wouldn’t back down.”

Los Alamitos advances to play Los Angeles Loyola next week.