Football: Corona del Mar wins Division III bowl game [Video]

Corona del Mar has beaten Sacred Heart 27-15 in the CIF state Division III championship bowl game, the first of three bowl games today at StubHub Center in Carson.

Jason Neiger booted a 35-yard field goal for the only score of the fourth quarter. Corona del Mar scored 21 points in the first quarter but the Gators capitalized on several mistakes to pull within 21-15 by halftime. Neiger also kicked a 31-yarder for the only points by either team in the third quarter.

The Sea Kings, who became the first California team to finish a season 16-0.

“We’ve had games where we got the lead and let the other team come back,” said Sea Kings quarterback Luke Napolitano, who threw for 73 yards and two touchdowns. “We always come back stong at the end of the game. We wanted to run the ball and in the second half our line was getting a push up front.”

Cole Martin rushed 28 times for 155 yards and Max Chozen caught three passes for 44 yards, Connor Sage and Bo St. Geme had five-yard TD receptions and Barrett Barbato scored on a 58-yard interception return for Corona del Mar.

Ben Burr-Kirven had 77 yards and one touchdown in seven carries and Mitch Martella had six catches for 57 yards and Andrew Robinson scored on a 37-yard interception return for Sacred Heart.