Buena Fumbles Away Hopes for Title

Miscues, including two fourth-quarter fumbles, proved costly for Buena High in a 31-27 loss to Arroyo Grande in a Division IV quarterfinal football game Friday night at Arroyo Grande.

With 7:47 remaining and Buena (9-3) clinging to a 27-24 lead, Freddy Keiaho fumbled after receiving a jarring hit, and the Eagles (7-4) pounced on the loose ball.

One play later, Russell Spafford scored his third touchdown on a 19-yard run, and Jeff Planinak’s extra point provided the final margin.

Buena also fumbled on its next possession, but Brandon Faumuina blocked Planinak’s 38-yard field goal attempt with 3:51 left to give the Bulldogs another chance.

Andrew Paulson, who completed 17 of 22 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns, moved the Bulldogs from their 28 to the Arroyo Grande 32. But Keiaho was stopped inches short on fourth down with 1:18 to play, and the Eagles ran out the clock.

Keiaho had 181 yards in 24 carries, including a 71-yard touchdown on Buena’s second play from scrimmage to put the Bulldogs ahead, 7-0.

He added a 12-yard scoring run with 10:19 to play to give Buena its last lead, 27-24.

Garrett Oltz had eight catches for 102 yards and one touchdown for the Bulldogs.

Buena out-gained the Eagles, 415 yards to 275.