This post was originally published on this site
Ocean View’s William Pardue IV scores a TD Friday night as Gutierrez Gerardo of Bell Gardens reaches out. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone).
By ALEX SUAREZ
For OC Sports Zone
Ocean View High School’s football team faced off against Bell Gardens in the quarterfinals of the CIF Division 14 playoffs Friday night, losing 28-21 in a game that hinged on the final drive.
The Seahawks had a chance to either tie or win the game.
“The biggest thing for us was the kids have had a mentality of next play,” said Ocean View Coach Daniel Hernandez. “I’m proud of my kids, they just kept chipping away and I’m proud of their effort tonight.”
After winning their first CIF playoff game since 2011, the Seahawks hosted the Lancers in the quarterfinals. The Seahawks (6-6, 1-2) swiftly established a 14-0 lead with an 11-yard touchdown run by William Pardue IV and a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Frankie Armenta in the second quarter. Armenta ended the game throwing for 159 yards.
But Bell Gardens rallied in the second half.
To see the slide show, click on the first photo:
Oswaldo Lozano ended the game as the Seahawks leading receiver with 88 yards on five receptions. The Seahwawks were using Jayden Trujillo to set the tone with his hard physical runs and were able to move the ball effectively down the field behind him. Trujillo was the leading rusher for Ocean View with 69 rushing yards on 18 attempts.
“They use me as a tank,” Trujillo said. “Try and get a few yards here and there but it’s my first year playing running back and I’m trying to learn how to be shifty.”
Despite the challenging loss, Hernandez and Ocean View aims to build on a remarkable season, looking ahead to next year.
“I look forward to what we can do with a full off-season and weight room,” Hernandez said. “I don’t think people have really seen what we can achieve yet.”
Bell Gardens (7-5, 3-2) was led by leading rusher Daniel Tovar. Tovar finished the game with four rushing touchdowns and 139 yards. Tovar’s longest run of the game was a 65-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
Jacob Reyes finished the game throwing for 91 yards on six completions. The Lancers will take on Artesia next weekend in the semifinals.
