Westshore defeats Lower Lake 13-6 in semifinals to earn rematch with Napa
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WESTSHORE >> After falling behind 6-0, the Westshore Cardinals rallied to beat the Lower Lake Trojans 13-6 in the semifinal round of the Mendo-Lake Empire Junior Football League pee wee-division playoffs Saturday in Lakeport.
Westshore takes a 10-1 record into the championship game this coming Saturday against Napa (10-0-1) at Cloverdale High School. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. Napa handed Westshore its only loss of the season Sept. 27 during a regular-season game in Napa.
Lower Lake (7-2-2) fell 18-0 to Westshore during a regular-season game Sept. 20 in Lakeport. The Trojans kept it close this time around.
“Great game against a tough team,” Westshore head coach Vince Rave said. “They have a good program over there.”
After the Trojans jumped in front on a passing play, Westshore relied on its defense and running game to rally back.
“Our offense was strong,” Rave said. “The backs were running hard and playing physical.”
Vincent Rave had another big game for the Cardinals with 152 yards on the ground and both of Westshore’s touchdowns. Josh King scored an extra point. Elius Mendoza added 21 yards with some “tough runs,” according to Rave.
“We started a little flat-footed but picked it up after the first quarter and bounced back,” Rave said. “We battled all game long.”
Defensive leaders for the Cardinals were Rave with three solo tackles, six assists, an interception and a forced fumble. Mendoza added three solo tackles, two assists and an interception. Other leaders were King with three solo tackles and three assists, and Blake Sage, Obie Knight and Cesar Gonzalez with three total tackles apiece.
“Our defense was hungry and shut them out in the second half,” Rave said. “It was a great test for these boys before the championship.”
Added Rave, “It was a great team effort. It was a good challenge, and our boys came through. We overcame some adversity at the beginning of the game.
“We’re excited for the rematch against Napa,” Rave said. “Our boys have been putting in the work and it’s showing on the field.”
