WALNUT CREEK, Calif. - Three weeks after allowing an uncharacteristic touchdown to Newark Memorial in its playoff opener, Las Lomas' defense posted its seventh shutout of the season in a dominating 42-0 win over Terra Linda, propelling the Knights into the North Coast Section Division III semifinals.
"(Defensive coordinator) Derek Clements has been fantastic for our defensive unit this season," said Las Lomas coach Doug Longero. "It's remarkable what he has done with those kids."
The Knights' defensive line was particularly dominant on Saturday night, bottling up the Terra Linda run game, a staple of the Trojans' success this year. Junior Zac Transue and senior Amjad Quobaitary, who has 22 sacks this season, were both effective at shutting down the Terra Linda offense. Meanwhile, the offense was crisp once again, led by senior quarterback Dylan Graham.
Graham, who has thrown for 31 touchdowns with just two interceptions this year, completed 13-of-17 passes for 218 yards and five touchdowns, as the Knights rolled up 410 yards of total offense while once again limiting touches for their starting unit. Senior Blake Thorpe had four catches for 79 yards and two scores, while junior Isaiah Newell was again virtually unstoppable.
Newell needed just 10 carries to amass 157 yards on the ground, and added three catches for 91 yards and a touchdown, turning a short screen pass into a long scoring play. That gave Newell 248 yards from scrimmage in the victory.
"It is just insane to see the level of development taking place with this group," Longero added. "Now, we are just staying focused on one week, one game at a time. We have a big road trip to Eureka ahead of us, and an opponent who is also unbeaten and will be physical just like us. It should be a great football game."
Las Lomas plays at Eureka this coming Saturday night, after the Loggers cruised past De Anza in their quarterfinal game last week. Neither team has suffered a loss this year.
