Miraleste Runs Past Orange Lutheran in Final Minute

RANCHO PALOS VERDES — An overpowering running game helped Miraleste High School rally in the second half for an 18-14 victory over Orange Lutheran in the Olympic League opener for both teams Saturday afternoon.

Miraleste tailback Dan Sarner rushed for 180 yards in 27 carries, 46 yards coming on the final scoring drive, which ended when Sarner plunged over left tackle from a yard out to give Miraleste the lead with 54 seconds remaining.

Orange Lutheran running back Gil Greene ran for 102 yards in 19 carries, but 93 yards came in the first half, when the Lancers (2-2, 0-1 in league) opened a 14-3 lead.

Greene scored on a three-yard run in the first quarter, and his 52-yard sprint from scrimmage in the second quarter set up Orange Lutheran’s second touchdown, a 26-yard pass play from Lenny Gavin to Phil Matheson.

Sarner, a sophomore, also scored on a six-yard burst in the third quarter to trim the Orange Lutheran lead to 14-11. Sarner’s running mate, Dan Crofton, also a sophomore, gained 93 yards in 15 carries for Miraleste (3-1, 1-0).

Still, there’s the business of establishing a passing game at Sunny Hills. Quarterback Rick Orr threw for only 61 yards and has thrown for only 197 yards in four games.