By Eric Terrazas
Staff Writer
La Serna
Defending Del Rio League champion La Serna opened the first full week of league play the same way it ended last year’s schedule – with a victory over archrival California.
The Lancers, who captured the 2012 Del Rio crown with a thrilling 20-17 win over the Condors in the last week of the regular season, did not need late-game dramatics this time around.
Led by senior quarterback Frankie Palmer and a tough defense, La Serna came away with a 35-14 victory over California on Friday, Oct. 11, 2013.
Palmer paced the Lancers’ offense by completing 15 of 23 attempts for 187 yards and three touchdowns.
Bryce Oliver and Ruben Rios provided a superb 1-2 punch for the Lancers’ ground attack, each rushing for more than 100 yards.
Oliver ran for 105 yards and one score on seven carries while Rios finished with 104 yards and a score on 12 carries.
The Lancers (4-2 overall, 1-0 league) next face Santa Fe on Friday, Oct. 18 at Whittier College. California (2-4, 0-1) will also be in action this Friday, taking on Whittier. Both games are scheduled for 7 p.m.
Here is a brief round-up of other Del Rio League action from last week:
El Rancho 17, Whittier 3
The Dons (3-3, 1-0) started their league slate on a promising note by coming away with a road victory against the Cardinals.
El Rancho senior quarterback Ryan Araujo played a key role, throwing for 104 yards and rushing for 39 yards and one touchdown. Senior running back Aaron Escareno added 83 yards rushing on 15 carries.
El Rancho next hosts Pioneer at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18. The Cardinals (3-3, 0-1) will take on California.
Santa Fe 49, Pioneer 15
Junior quarterback Christian Lara led the way for the Chiefs (4-2, 1-0), throwing for 276 yards and three touchdowns while running for 141 yards and another two scores.
All three of Lara’s scoring throws went to senior wide receiver Brandon Takata, who finished with four receptions and 185 yards.
The Chiefs will face La Serna in what promises to be a major test on Friday, Oct 18. Pioneer (3-3, 0-1) will look to rebound against El Rancho.
MISSION LEAGUE
St. Francis 63, St. Paul 18
The struggles continued for the host Swordsmen, who dropped their league opener to the Golden Knights (6-0, 1-0).
St. Paul, which falls to 0-6 overall and 0-1 in league play, continues league play Oct. 18 at Harvard-Westlake (4-2, 0-1). Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
OLYMPIC LEAGUE
Cerritos Valley Christian 35, Whittier Christian 27
Defending league champion Whittier Christian was stunned by visiting Valley Chrisitan in the league opener for both teams.
It marked the third consecutive defeat for the Heralds (3-3, 0-1), who started the season 3-0. Valley Christian improved to 2-4 and 1-0.
Senior quarterback Ryan Esslinger led the Heralds offense, passing for 233 yards and three touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Noah Evans was Esslinger’s primary target, hauling in nine receptions for 107 yards and a score. It marked the fourth 100-yard receiving game for Evans this season.
The Heralds will look to get back into the win column this Thursday against Village Christian. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Occidental College.
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