High School Football: Sage Hill outlasts Crean Lutheran

After going winless a year ago, Sage Hill School has qualified for the CIF Southern Section East Valley Division playoffs.

Sage Hill’s 50-40 victory at Crean Lutheran in an Academy League finale on Friday night helped the Lightning earn a berth into the postseason.

The Lightning (5-5, 2-2 in league) received one of the East Valley Division’s three at-large playoff entries on Saturday, when the CIF Southern Section released the at-large teams. Sage Hill needed an at-large berth because it finished third in the Academy league, which only receives two guaranteed playoff berths.

Coach J.R. Tolver has Sage Hill back in the postseason for the first time since 2010.

Sage Hill tailback Beau Roth rushed 25 times for 132 yards and two touchdowns against Crean Lutheran (1-9, 1-3).

Sage Hill quarterback CJ McCord completed 18 of 27 passes for 193 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught a 36-yard touchdown pass from Vince Whetmore.

Will Burns, a wide receiver, caught eight passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns. He also converted a 27-yard field goal.

— From staff reports