San Fernando Gets Away Scott Free

De’Andre Scott, Alemany High’s usually unstoppable tailback, was smiling and kicking back on the sideline after the Indians scored touchdowns on two of their first three offensive plays Friday night against San Fernando.

“I’m chillin’,” he said.

Scott and his teammates didn’t see the licking coming their way, for it was San Fernando that came roaring back from a 14-point deficit to defeat Alemany, 28-25, with an overpowering defensive performance.

Led by a group of linebackers that Coach Sean Blunt insists is the best in the City, the Tigers forced three fumbles and mostly prevented Scott from breaking off long runs. He finished with 157 yards in 20 carries and caught a 38-yard touchdown pass.

“I expected to win this game,” Blunt said. “We should have blown them out. We dominated most of the game.”

The San Fernando linebacking group of Ulysses Ramirez, Eddie Martinez, Will German and Edgar Acosta repeatedly swarmed to the ball and made it difficult for Alemany.

“They’re the cornerstone of our defense,” Blunt said.

Some jittery play early and poor special teams hurt the Tigers in the first half, but by the fourth quarter San Fernando was the team looking fresher, tackling harder and moving the ball.

After Garret Marxen kicked a 31-yard field goal with 11:08 left to give Alemany a 17-12 lead, San Fernando took control.

An 86-yard kickoff return by Ramon Perry set up a four-yard touchdown run by Bobby Stanley, one of three on the night for the 220-pound tailback. Martinez caught a two-point conversion pass from Ruben Nevarez, giving the Tigers a 20-17 lead.

Sophomore Terrence Calloway added a three-yard touchdown run with 4:37 left and a two-point conversion run by William Lang gave San Fernando a 28-17 lead.

Alemany, whose passing attack was nonexistent most of the night, struck back with a desperation 38-yard touchdown pass from A.J. Thompson to Scott with 1:49 remaining.

Scott scored on a two-point conversion run.

The Indians tried an onside kick, and Chuck Costabile made the recovery. Given one last chance, Alemany couldn’t move the ball.

Seven San Fernando players combined for 202 yards rushing, led by Ramirez, who gained 84 yards in eight carries, and Stanley, who had 75 yards in 17 carries.

It was an impressive effort considering the Tigers’ offensive line returned only one starter.

Alemany scored touchdowns on two of its first three offensive plays to take a 14-0 lead midway through the first quarter.

Touchdown runs of 21 yards by fullback Albert Griffin and 20 yards by flanker Cory Fama left San Fernando feeling a bit dazed.

But the Tigers regained their confidence when linebacker Acosta stripped the ball from Scott on the Alemany 36.

Two plays later, Stanley ran 19 yards for a touchdown.