San Gabriel Turns Tables on Top-Seeded Santa Fe, 17-14

San Gabriel began the postseason without a playoff victory in the school’s 49-year history. Three weeks later, the Matadors are still alive after a 17-14 upset Friday night of top-seeded Santa Fe Springs Santa Fe in a Southern Section Division VII semifinal at San Gabriel High.

“We believed since the first day we could do this,” San Gabriel Coach Keith Jones said. “There was no pressure.”

San Gabriel (11-2) dominated the Chiefs through most of the first half, building a 10-0 lead. But Santa Fe’s Nate Kimbrough intercepted a pass at the 10 and returned it for a touchdown with 27 seconds left.

Santa Fe (11-2), which had 28 total yards in the first half -- 31 on the final play -- received the second half kickoff but was stopped on downs. The Matadors then went on a 20-play drive that took nearly 10 minutes off the clock, but they had a touchdown called back on a holding penalty and then missed a 33-yard field-goal try.

The Santa Fe defense was back on the field after the Chiefs fumbled the ball back 42 seconds later. The Matadors quickly took advantage, moving the ball 33 yards on a sideline catch by Victor Villa and then scoring on a 22-yard screen pass to running back Andy Soto.

Santa Fe scored on a 42-yard reception by Dontrell Mitchell with 2:01 left, but did not recover the on-side kick.

-- Dan Arritt