For the fourth time in five league games, the Archbishop Riordan defense held its opponent to single digits in a 24-9 win over Valley Christian. With the win, the Crusaders kept pace with Serra atop the West Catholic Athletic League with a 5-0 mark. It was the fourth consecutive loss for the Warriors (3-5, 1-4 WCAL).
Trailing 7-3 at halftime, the Riordan took control with a pair of third-quarter touchdowns, setting up the Crusaders for a showdown against Serra on Halloween afternoon in San Francisco. The Padres continued its dominance of the WCAL with a 38-14 win over St. Ignatius. Serra defensive back RJ Guldbech intercepted two passes and had a fumble recovery to lead a defense that forced four turnovers.
Riordan has conceded just 46 points in five league games and will need to be at its best to slow down a Serra offense that is averaging 42 points per game against WCAL competition. The winner will clinch the WCAL title.
In other action, Saint Francis picked up its second consecutive win, knocking off Bellarmine 28-20 to nearly clinch a Central Coast Section playoff spot. Typically, the top six WCAL teams make the playoffs and no more than six are eligible to get in. With the win, the Lancers (3-5, 2-3) are now in a three-way tie for fourth place. Cody Butler returned a punt 45 yards to push the Lancers’ 21-20 halftime advantage to 28-20, and the defense sealed the win with an interception by defensive back Vincenzo Tarantino.
Saint Francis takes on Mitty, which felt to 0-5 with a 3-2 loss to Sacred Heart Cathedral. The Monarchs have been held to just 6.6 points per game in their five WCAL losses, and have reached double digits just once. Bellarmine will take on Sacred Heart Cathedral in a battle between two of the four teams tied for third place. The Irish were stuck in a 0-0 battle with the Monarchs on Senior Night before a field goal with 2:43 left broke the stalemate.
In the other Week 10 matchup, Valley Christian visits St. Ignatius desperately in search of a victory to keep its CCS playoff hopes alive.
