Big Comeback Brings a Title to Graceland

SIMI VALLEY —  All season, Grace Brethren High took pride in being in better condition than its opponents.

That stamina was needed Saturday in the Southern Section Eight-Man Large Division championship game. The Lancers scored twice in the final four minutes for a 32-26 come-from-behind victory over Heritage League rival Faith Baptist at Grace Brethren.

The top-seeded Lancers (12-0), who won their first eight-man title, scored the winning points--and took their first lead--when Robert Serra threw an eight-yard touchdown pass to John Durso with 46 seconds left.

“The second half has always been our half,” Durso said.

“We always feel we are the stronger team. We go all out, all game.”

Third-seeded Faith Baptist (10-2) drove to Grace Brethren’s 32, but Julio Bautista’s fourth down pass fell incomplete with seven seconds left.

Serra completed 17 of 31 passes for 202 yards. His 22-yard touchdown to Ryan Shaffer and the ensuing two-point conversion pass to Shaffer tied the game, 26-26, with 3:36 left.

Serra threw two interceptions, one of which was returned 57 yards by defensive back Lonnie Clayton of Faith Baptist to set up the Contenders’ last touchdown. Clayton rushed for 74 yards and a touchdown in 22 carries.

Tyson Larson rushed for 105 yards and three touchdowns for Grace Brethren, giving him nine touchdowns in the Lancers’ three playoff games. His last touchdown, on a seven-yard run, pulled Grace Brethren to within 20-18 in the third quarter.

Bautista completed three of nine passes for 104 yards, including a 62-yard touchdown to Eujay Masangkay in the third quarter.

Shawn McClain caught eight passes for 96 yards for Grace Brethren, which defeated Faith Baptist, 35-16, in league play on Oct. 30.

“They came in expecting a much tougher game this time,” Durso said of Faith Baptist. “Last time they were expecting to beat us easily. This time, they made some adjustments that made it harder for us.”