La Habra Turnovers, Penalties Prove Costly in 21-7 Defeat

La Habra committed five turnovers and was penalized 14 times for 110 yards in a season-opening 21-7 loss in a nonleague football game at Cerritos Valley Christian Friday.

La Habra scored its only touchdown with 42 seconds remaining in the first half when John Tapia caught a 16-yard pass from quarterback Mike Keeling to pull the Highlanders even, 7-7.

Valley Christian took a 7-0 lead, using almost seven minutes to score its first touchdown on a one-yard run by Gary Brands.

The Highlanders had a chance to tie the score late in the first quarter, but a wide-open Jeremy Koontz dropped a pass from Keeling. La Habra ended up punting.

In the second quarter, both teams combined for turnovers on four consecutive possessions, the first two on fumbles.

Valley Christian took a 14-7 lead four minutes into the third quarter, then La Habra drove 44 yards in 13 plays but was stopped on downs.

In the second half, La Habra was stopped on downs three times, had two passes intercepted, lost one fumble and punted once.

Keeling completed 14 of 37 passes for 155 yards, with three interceptions. Brent West led La Habra with 53 yards rushing in 18 carries.

Chase Twedell led Valley Christian with 117 yards rushing in 23 carries and one touchdown.

Valley Christian lost two fumbles, which were recovered by La Habra’s Justin Moore-Brown.