HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

L.A. Baptist 3, Village Christian 0--L. A. Baptist twice came within inches of scoring in the first half in its Alpha League opener against Village Christian, so it was appropriate that Knight kicker Kurt Rayner’s 26-yard fourth-quarter kick barely made it over the crossbar to give L. A. Baptist the win at Monroe.

Rayner also ended a Village Christian drive late in the game with a leaping interception of a Chris Robinson pass in the end zone.

And when L. A. Baptist (5-1, 1-1) failed to run out the clock, Rayner unloaded a 55-yard punt that left the Crusaders at their 20-yard line.

The field goal made up for a scoring opportunity L. A. Baptist blew on its first possession. On fourth and goal at the Village Christian three, Knight quarterback Robinson was stopped just shy of the goal line.

L. A. Baptist rushed for 171 yards, with Dan Stepper gaining 84 yards in 14 carries.

Village Christian (3-3, 0-1) was held to 77 yards and did not cross the Knights’ 30-yard line.