Los Alamitos Rallies Late to Defeat Leuzinger 36-22 in CIF-SS Playoffs (2024)

Los Alamitos – Los Alamitos High School

The Los Alamitos Griffins advanced to the CIF-SS Division 2 quarterfinals after a hard-fought 36-22 home victory over Leuzinger on Friday night. The Griffins held a two-touchdown lead at halftime, but Leuzinger rallied, taking a one-point lead late in the fourth quarter.

With just over six minutes remaining, Griffins’ quarterback Alonzo Esparza threw a check-down pass to Tron Baker, who broke free for a 42-yard touchdown to reclaim the lead. Shortly after, Jerod Terry Jr, who was a dominant force throughout the night, added a cushion in the score. Terry Jr was unstoppable, finishing with 146 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Coach Ray Fenton praised his team’s resilience against a challenging opponent. “They’re (Leuzinger) a good football team… our guys’ gritty effort at the end showed up for us,” he said.

Despite an interception in the fourth quarter, Esparza bounced back to lead the go-ahead drive, displaying his poise under pressure. Fenton highlighted the chemistry between Terry Jr and Leuzinger’s Journee Tonga, who also had a strong night with 191 yards and three touchdowns. “Number 0 (Tonga) is his buddy,” Fenton said about Terry, adding that the friendly competition motivated both players to bring out their best.

The Griffins (6-5), who qualified as a favorable selection, will now face top-seeded Murrieta Valley at home on Friday, November 15, hoping to continue their postseason journey.