Crusaders Beat Heralds; Both Make Playoffs

Cerritos Valley Christian Coach Mike Wunderley brought up junior varsity running back Gary Brands for his first varsity game in the regular-season finale against visiting Whittier Christian Friday night.

Brands carried only four times for 55 yards, but scored twice to pace Valley Christian to a 24-7 Olympic League victory.

Valley Christian (8-2, 4-1) finished in second place and Whittier Christian (2-8, 2-3) third to qualify for the Southern Section Division XI playoffs. It will be Whittier Christian’s first playoff appearance since 1993.

The leading rusher for Whittier Christian was David Jones, who ran for 82 yards in 20 carries. Herald quarterback Abraham Santos completed four of 12 for 85 yards.

Valley Christian led at the half, 17-0, on Brands’ touchdown runs of 11 and 43 yards, and a 47-yard field goal by Keith Witt.

At the 5:18 mark of the third quarter, Santos passed 27-yards to Nathan Endemano for a touchdown.

On their next possession, the Heralds drove to the Crusaders’ 46, but were stopped when Chris Weaver intercepted a Santos pass.

With 9:27 remaining, Valley Christian quarterback Mark Streelman, who completed six of 11 passes for 81 yards, completed a 25-yard touchdown pass to Steven Andriese .