L.A. Baptist Finally Finds Light at End of the Tunnel

MISSION HILLS — L.A. Baptist High defeated Village Christian, 14-10, in their annual Alpha League matchup known as the “Bible Bowl.”

But Saturday night’s version at Alemany High will forever be remembered as the Blackout Bowl.

With L.A. Baptist (3-3, 1-0 in league) clinging to its 14-10 lead and 8 minutes, 41 seconds left to play, Village Christian (4-2, 0-1) faced a fourth and three from its own 19-yard line. That’s when the lights went out.

The lights were restored after a 14-minute delay and the Knights held on for the victory, marking the first time a home team has won the “Bible Bowl” since the series started eight years ago. It was the first time a team has won in consecutive years.

“I told the kids they had a chance to leave a legacy,” Knight Coach Mark Bates said. “Then they went out and did it.”

Ron Atkins, who started on defense for the first time this season, had 13 tackles and made a game-saving interception with 1:09 remaining.

An Alemany maintenance man said a circuit-breaker tripped late in the game, but for Village Christian, the power went out at halftime.

The Crusaders had 129 yards of offense in the first half, just 57 in the second half.

L.A. Baptist, which trailed 10-0 at the half, used the intermission to turn itself around.

Quarterback Peter Dirksen connected with Atkins on a 57-yard pass play on the Knights’ fourth play of the second half.

The Knights struck again when running back Chris Ross scored from 18 yards in the third quarter.

Dirksen finished with seven completions in 11 attempts for 140 yards.

David Romberger, making his first start at tailback for Village Christian, had 128 yards in 30 carries.