UPDATE: In a thrilling display of talent, Jason Lewis scored three touchdowns to lead North Torrance to an overwhelming 48-14 victory over South Torrance on October 20, 2023. The game, part of the Pioneer League, showcased North’s determination as they rallied in the second half after a sluggish start.
Earlier this week, North Torrance’s head coach Todd Croce emphasized the need for his players to step up in the absence of injured starter Jaydan Andrade. Lewis and teammate Steven Sarabia answered the call, combining for a dominant performance. Lewis rushed for 60 yards and delivered a hat trick of touchdowns, while Sarabia added another score.
The game shifted momentum in the second half, sparked by an inspiring speech from teammate Luca Galdamez. “We had a rough first half, but then we came out in the second half after a good speech,” Lewis remarked. “He just told us we need to lock in. No more playing around.” This mindset fueled North’s offense, allowing them to execute flawlessly.
The Saxons struck first in the second half, with Sarabia powering in from the 1-yard line to extend the lead to 27-14. Lewis followed suit, scoring twice more, including a stunning 17-yard rush that solidified North’s commanding lead. “It was nice to see the second half offense come out and score on all possessions,” said Coach Croce.
In addition to the offensive fireworks, Ethan Edwards played a dual role, throwing a 6-yard touchdown pass to Kchole Mataele-Juarez and securing two interceptions on defense against South’s quarterback Chase Spahr. Edwards expressed his determination, stating, “I just knew I had to put the team on my back.”
South Torrance, now with a record of 3-6, struggled with depth issues, fielding just 33 players on their roster. Coach Matt Mishler noted that fatigue became a significant factor in the second half. “We didn’t really have much life in the second half,” he admitted, despite his players’ efforts to finish strong.
Spahr, the league’s passing leader, managed to score an 8-yard touchdown run and connected on a 21-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Kerekes. He acknowledged the challenge posed by North’s defense, particularly praising Edwards’ performance. “Their d-line was pretty active, they had a lot of stunts going,” Spahr said.
As North Torrance improves to 6-3 with a 2-2 league record, all eyes will be on how they maintain this momentum in the coming weeks. The victory not only boosts team morale but also sets the stage for their next matchups as they vie for a strong finish in the season.
Stay tuned for more updates on North Torrance’s quest for success in the Pioneer League and how injuries will continue to shape the dynamics of the team.
