Sierra Canyon uses tackle-eligible play to beat | College News
All week, 6-foot-2, 250-pound defensive sort out Mikhal Johnson of Sierra Canyon high practiced one thing he’s by no means completed in his soccer life — catch a cross.
Coach Jon Ellinghouse inserted him into the sport within the fourth quarter on a sort out eligible play on Friday evening. He was left so huge open in the long run zone that Sierra Canyon followers watching from the stands have been both going to erupt in pleasure or snicker in embarrassment relying on whether or not he caught or dropped the seven-yard cross from quarterback Wyatt Becker.
Johnson didn’t let his teammates down, making the game-winning landing catch with 5:19 left to ship a 21-20 comeback victory over host Gardena Serra. It was Sierra Canyon’s third consecutive Mission League title.
“Historic,” a smiling Johnson mentioned afterward about his first catch, and first landing, in his profession. “I was so excited. I really did this for my team.”
He’d later add a sack within the fourth quarter to help clinch a victory that may seemingly ship Sierra Canyon (7-3) to the Southern Section Division 1 playoffs. Pairings can be launched on Sunday. Yet Serra (7-3) got here so close to pulling off the upset.
Devohn Moutra, a 5-9 junior defensive back and emergency working back, was the star within the first half in serving to Serra come away with a 17-7 halftime lead. He had a five-yard landing run and two solo tackles for losses. Jimmy Butler was sharp and performed mistake-free ball at quarterback. He had a 46-yard landing cross to CJ McBean.
Sierra Canyon’s solely landing within the first half was a 25-yard run by Massiah Mingo on a reverse. Serra’s offensive line did an efficient job defending Butler. Sierra Canyon did little on offense, struggling to run the ball.
Jae’on Young of Sierra Canyon made a game-changing 53-yard interception return for a landing with 1:41 left within the third quarter to pull the Trailblazers to within 17-14.
“It woke our guys up,” Ellinghouse mentioned.
Offensive lineman Ashdon Wnetrzak of Sierra Canyon celebrates his crew’s 21-20 win over Gardena Serra.
(Craig Weston)
Serra obtained a 34-yard area objective from Nate Altenberg for a 20-14 lead early within the fourth quarter. But Johnson’s landing and a misplaced fumble by Serra because it was driving proved too pricey.
Butler handed for 297 yards. McBean caught 9 passes for 150 yards.
Sierra Canyon’s line of defense got here by means of within the fourth quarter. Besides Johnson’s sack, Richard Wesley stripped the ball from Butler on fourth down for a sack within the closing 90 seconds.
Johnson was smiling and smiling.
“I’ve never caught a ball in my life,” he mentioned.
Now comes the ready and speculating on which and how many groups can be chosen for the Division 1 playoffs. Will it’s eight or 10? Santa Margarita’s 44-8 win over Servite provides to the uncertainty. The Eagles moved previous Servite in CalPreps.com rankings, that are used to decide seedings. They are No. 7, Sierra Canyon No. 8, Servite No. 9 and Inglewood No. 10.
Sierra Canyon might get a rematch with No. 1 Mater Dei, a crew it misplaced to 42-14 in final yr’s playoffs if solely eight groups are chosen.
“Never give up,” Johnson mentioned of the lesson he realized final season from enjoying Mater Dei.
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