Aztecs Rally, Beat Lakewood

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 Sunset League title, 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, 10-10, with four minutes remaining, Sonuyi caught a Ryan Sausedo pass in the backfield at his own 25 and rumbled into the end zone. The touchdown was set up three plays earlier by Anthony Vicencia’s clutch 19-yard reception on third down.

Trailing 7-3 late in the third quarter and saddled with an ineffective running game, Esperanza Coach Gary Meek took the reins off Sausedo. 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 scoring touchdown.

The teams traded field goals in the first half. Lakewood’s Aaron Bechtel connected from 33 yards in the first quarter and Esperanza’s Brandon Weiner hit from 22 yards in the second.

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