Esperanza Avoids an Upset, 17-10

Anaheim Esperanza’s 17-10 first-round playoff victory Friday over visiting Lakewood proved the validity of what is usually a stock saying this time of year: In the playoffs, don’t take anyone for granted.

Top-seeded Esperanza (10-1), which won the Empire League, narrowly averted a humbling first-round defeat to Lakewood. Not until Matt Hathaway intercepted a pass with one minute remaining was Esperanza’s Division I victory assured.

Lakewood (6-5), which led, 10-3, early in the fourth quarter, did a good job containing Esperanza running back Temitope Sonuyi, who gained 110 yards in 27 carries and fumbled twice.

But Sonuyi also made the key play of the game. With the score tied at 10-10 with four minutes remaining, Soniyu caught a Ryan Sausedo pass in the backfield at his 25 and took it into the end zone. The touchdown was set up three plays earlier by Anthony Vicencia’s 19-yard reception on third down.

Trailing 10-3 and saddled with an ineffective running game, Esperanza Coach Gary Meek let Sausedo take control. The senior quarterback connected with Daniel Pace for gains of 25, 21 and 12 yards. Sonuyi then broke off a 15-yard run, his longest of the night. Shaun Wildenstein capped the drive with a one-yard run.

The teams traded field goals in the first half. Lakewood’s Aaron Bechtel made a 33-yarder in the first quarter. Esperanza’s Brandon Weiner kicked a 22-yarder in the second.

Lakewood was led by senior running back Nate Cameron, who gained 148 yards in 29 carries, including a 25-yard run in the third quarter that gave the Lancers a 10-3 lead.