By Eric Terrazas

Staff Writer

www.411whittier.com

La Serna High School’s offense came alive in the second quarter, scoring 21 points that helped lift the Lancers to a 37-0 Del Rio League victory over Santa Fe on Oct. 18 at Whittier College.

Senior quarterback Frankie Palmer led the way for the Lancers’ offense, throwing for three touchdowns while completing 13 of 18 attempts for 179 yards.

After grabbing a 3-0 lead, La Serna started its second-quarter surge on special teams, blocking a Santa Fe punt. Tony Ceron then recovered the ball and returned it for a touchdown that gave the Lancers a 10-0 lead.

The Lancers (5-2 overall, 2-0 league) seized control by scoring touchdowns on their next three drives.

Palmer’s first scoring toss came on a 42-yard throw to Matthew Rosales, which came with 5 minutes, 9 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

Palmer then closed the first-half scoring by finding D’Andre Sanchez for a 9-yard score, which gave La Serna a 24-0 lead going into halftime.

Picking up where it left off in the third quarter, La Serna put together an 11-play, 80-yard drive that culminated with Palmer’s 7-yard scoring throw to Sanchez. Sanchez’s second touchdown came with a minute remaining in the third quarter.

Junior running back Bryce Oliver closed the game’s scoring with an 8-yard rushing touchdown that occurred with 9:50 left in regulation.

Senior outside linebacker Luis Camacho led a stellar La Serna defensive effort by posting eight tackles and three sacks.

Santa Fe, with the defeat, falls to 4-3 overall and 1-1 in league play. The Chiefs next take on Whittier on Friday, Oct. 25 at El Rancho High. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

La Serna will look to maintain its momentum Thursday, Oct. 24 against Pioneer. Game time is slated for 7 p.m. at California High.

In other Del Rio League action from last week:

El Rancho 62, Pioneer 21

Dons senior quarterback Ryan Araujo paced an explosive offensive performance, accounting for five touchdowns in a win over the Titans.

Araujo rushed for 196 yards and three touchdowns while also throwing for 174 yards and two scores. He connected on 12 of 18 attempts.

The Oct. 18 triumph allowed El Rancho (4-3, 2-0) to maintain a share of first place with La Serna. The Dons next travel to California High for a Oct. 25 game scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

Pioneer (3-4, 0-2) will face a staunch test against La Serna.

California 16, Whittier 14

The Condors (3-4, 1-1) posted their first league victory of the season by besting the Cardinals in a tightly contested match.

Whittier quarterback Jared Reza, a senior, completed 6 of 7 attempts for 99 yards and a score. Cardinals junior running back Eddie Orta rushed for 75 yards on 18 carries.

California next hosts El Rancho while Whittier (3-4, 0-2) will face Santa Fe.

MISSION LEAGUE

St. Paul 31, Harvard-Westlake 23

St. Paul emerged with its first victory of the season Oct. 18 by turning in a winning performance on the road.

Junior running back Alfred Delgado played a key role in the Swordsmen’s triumph, rushing for 68 yards and a touchdown while hauling in three receptions for 39 yards.

The Swordsmen (1-6, 1-1) will seek to stay in the winning column Oct. 25 at Chaminade (5-2, 1-1). Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

OLYMPIC LEAGUE

Whittier Christian 41, Village Christian 21

The visiting Heralds (4-3, 1-1) snapped a three-game losing streak by defeating league rival Village Christian Oct. 17 at Occidental College.

Sophomore running back Nick Watase paced the Whittier Christian offense by rushing for 238 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. Senior running back David Fischer added 41 yards and two scores.

Senior kicker Derek Brush made all four of his fieldgoal attempts by connecting from 24, 35, 41 and 26 yards.

Senior linebacker Jack Huitt helped lead the Heralds defense by making seven solo tackles and a safety.

Whittier Christian continues league play Oct. 25 with a 7 p.m. home game against Heritage Christian (3-4, 0-1) at Whittier College.

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