Anaheim Servite defeats Bellflower St. John Bosco, 35-27

All it was going to take in a back-and-forth game of big plays was one break.

Anaheim Servite got it, and now the Friars are in control of the Trinity League race.

Defensive end Connor Einck recovered a fumble early in the fourth quarter Friday night, helping Servite turn a one-point game into a 35-27 victory over host Bellflower St. John Bosco.

Manaitovini Pauu had a three-yard touchdown run five plays after Einck’s recovery, giving the Friars (7-1 overall, 3-0 league) the winning margin.

“We didn’t play great tonight, but I thought we made the plays at the end there when we needed to and had two huge stops in the second half,” Servite Coach Troy Thomas said. “It’s hard to slow that offense down.”

Particularly in the second and third quarters. St. John Bosco quarterback Rene Medina helped the Braves (6-2, 2-1) wipe out a 14-0 deficit with a pair of second-quarter touchdown passes.

Medina then gave St. John Bosco a 27-21 lead late in the third quarter when he found receiver Bryce Treggs streaking toward the end zone on a 79-yard touchdown completion.

But running back Andrew Moore ran for a two-yard touchdown on Servite’s next drive, giving the Friars a 28-27 lead early in the fourth quarter.

Two plays later, Einck pounced on receiver Dalis Bruce’s fumble and the Friars were on their way. After St. John Bosco elected to punt despite trailing by eight points, Servite got the ball back with 51/2 minutes left and picked up five first downs to run out the clock.

Moore finished with 110 yards and two touchdowns in 14 carries, all in the second half. Pauu had 115 yards and two touchdowns in 23 carries.

“We went with a guy who’s been running well for us in Mana,” Thomas said, “and it was good to have that second back come in with the fresh legs there at the end.”

San Pedro 21, Carson 0: Quarterback Kenny Potter rushed for two touchdowns and passed for another to lead San Pedro (8-0, 3-0) past Marine League rival Carson (3-5, 1-2) on Friday.

ben.bolch@latimes.com