Since a season-opening win over Manteca, it’s been a rough go for the Saint Francis football team. Five consecutive losses – including four by double digits – dropped the Lancers to 1-5 overall and a dangerous 0-3 in the WCAL.
In the WCAL, by far the most competitive league in the Central Coast Section, there are generally two important races: one for the league title and the other to finish in the top six to become playoff eligible. Saint Francis took a huge step to playoff eligibility with a 40-14 win over Valley Christian in Week 8.
Sophomore Luke Mota led the way for the Lancers with 115 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 20 carries, as Saint Francis built a 26-7 halftime lead. Junior Vincenzo Tarantino had a 31-yard interception return and senior Cody Butler had a punt return for another score for the Lancers (2-5, 1-3 WCAL), who moved into a three-way tie for fifth with Sacred Heart Cathedral and Valley Christian. It was the third loss in a row for the Warriors (3-4, 1-3), who host unbeaten Riordan in Week 9.
Saint Francis will take on Bellarmine, which had its two-game winning streak snapped in a 26-7 loss to St. Ignatius. Sophomore QB Isaac Liu completed 16-of-31 passes for 200 yards and Kingston Pagani and Luke Tribolet ran for two touchdowns apiece for the Wildcats (6-1, 3-1), who moved into sole possession of third place. SI takes a shot at first-place Serra Saturday in San Mateo.
Serra and Riordan both improved to 4-0 with relatively easy wins in Week 8, as the Padres defeated Sacred Heart Cathedral 28-0 and the Crusaders handled Mitty 22-7. Senior Adonyae Brown ran for 145 yards and a touchdown and the Riordan defense, which has allowed just 37 points in four league games, continued to dominate.
