Sage Hill wins thriller to remain unbeaten on the year

The Sage Hill School football team faced its first major test of the 2017 season Saturday night, but it came well prepared.

The Lightning remained unbeaten on the year, winning 35-34 against host Downey Calvary Chapel in a nonleague 8-man contest at Downey High.

“Best win for our program in my two years,” wrote Lightning coach BJ Crabtree in a Twitter direct message. “That was a bigger, stronger, older team, that is really well coached. So proud of our grit and determination.”

Sage Hill (6-0) came into the game outscoring its first five opponents 254-18, but the Grizzlies (2-2) were a different caliber of an opponent for the locals.

Despite the tougher challenge, senior quarterback William Leong still did as he pleased on the gridiron, passing for 326 yards and four touchdowns, and running for another score. Leong now has 19 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing scores for the season.

His favorite target Saturday was again Darius Shayan-Smith, as the junior hauled in eight receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns.

Fellow junior Michael Sherlock also had a big game, finishing with five catches for 52 yards and scoring on a pair of two-point conversions. He was also a stalwart on defense, recording 12 tackles and an interception.

To report scores of high school and college games, or other newsworthy items from youth to pro sports, contact the Daily Pilot sports reporters listed below:

David Carrillo Peñaloza, football and girls’ golf

(714) 966-4612, david.carrillo@latimes.com

Matt Szabo, boys’ water polo and girls’ tennis

(714) 966-4614, matthew.szabo@latimes.com

Andrew Turner, girls’ volleyball and cross-country

(714) 966-4611, andrew.turner@latimes.com