Bishop Amat Opens With Win Over Carson

Nerves are always a factor in the first game of the season, but for a highly regarded team there is even more reason to worry.

La Puente Bishop Amat, the 1992 Southern Section Division I champion, took the field at Long Beach Veterans Stadium Friday nightwith a big reputation to protect and succeeded in doing so, defeating Carson, 14-0.

The Lancers dominated the first half, when they scored both their touchdowns, but also learned that they have a lot of improving to do if they want to remain a dominant force. They had only 12 yards of offense in the second half.

“I thought we came out really well and we did a good job, but we just kind of lost our concentration in the second half and they controlled the line of scrimmage,” Bishop Amat Coach Mark Paredes said.

Rodney Sermons and Jason Harris, both senior running backs, shared ground duties, each gaining 57 yards in 12 carries.

The Lancers took control from the first play of the game, marching 80 yards in 12 plays to score on their first possession. The drive ate up nearly six minutes, with Sermons scoring on a 31-yard run.

In the second quarter, the Lancers took advantage of a short Carson punt, taking the ball on the Colts’ 43-yard line. After Gabriel Jacobo completed a seven-yard pass to Juan Padilla and Harris made a 33-yard run, Jacobo punched through the line to score on a three-yard run.

In the third quarter, Carson squandered its best scoring opportunity, failing to capitalize after recovering a fumble at Bishop Amat’s 25-yard line.

John Houston led Carson with 75 yards in seven carries.