Jacob Silvera could not stop smiling as family, friends and teammates congratulated the Redondo quarterback after leading the Sea Hawks to a 13-9 win at Mira Costa Friday night.
The senior didn’t want to leave the field at Waller Stadium where he had spent countless of hours practicing and playing during his first three years of high school.
Silvera became Redondo’s starting quarterback after transferring from Mira Costa in the summer and was savoring every moment of what was his former teammate’s Senior Night.
“This is the best feeling ever. It was a special win,” Silvera said. “I expected this type of game. It was a defensive battle with two great coaches going against each other and it ended up in our favor. It was a great defensive stand at the end.”
Redondo (8-2, 4-1) rebounded from a disappointing 15-7 loss at Bay League champion Palos Verdes to finish second and earn an automatic berth in the CIF-Southern Section Western Division playoffs that begin next Friday. Redondo entered Friday’s game ranked No. 5 in the division behind No. 2 Palos Verdes (7-3, 5-0) and No. 4 Mira Costa (8-2, 3-2).
With its strength of schedule and both losses coming by a combined six points, Mira Costa should advance to the postseason.
Facing an equally-matched Mira Costa team with both squads fielding a balanced offense and tenacious defense, Redondo made the big offensive plays that were missing the previous week. Yet it was the Sea Hawk defense that secured the victory.
With 1:05 left remaining in the game and facing a fourth-and-6 on Redondo’s 23-yard line, Mira Costa quarterback David Arredondo pitched the ball to Jemal Williams who ran right setting up a halfback option pass. With all receivers covered, he scrambled left but Redondo’s defense chased him down for a 15-yard loss, took over possession on downs and ran out the clock.
“It was a very emotional game,” Redondo’s Preston Faecher said. “Our whole focus all week was to be resilient and bounce back. We played hard for four quarters and our defense came through in the end. That’s where we’ve kept our faith all year – in our defense.”
Redondo drew first blood, jumping out to a 6-0 lead in the first quarter on Jermar Jefferson’s 41-yard touchdown run.
“Our offensive line has played great all year,” Jefferson said. “They opened a big hole and I just ran through it. It was nice to take an early lead.”
The sophomore led all ball carriers finishing with 105 and two touchdowns on 18 carries and was named Redondo’s Offensive Player of the Game.
After Redondo missed the extra point, Mira Costa marched 69 yards on 12 plays with Justus Tavai scoring on a 10-yard run. The conversion gave the Mustangs a 7-6 lead.
The momentum appeared to have swung in favor of Mira Costa. Redondo began its next possession on its own 22-yard line and, after brothers Justas and Jonah Tavai teamed to sack Silvera, the Sea Hawks faced a third-and-19 situation from the 13-yard line.
Finding no receivers open, Silvera scrambled to his left coming up short of the first down, but a personal foul by Mira Costa kept Redondo’s drive alive.
Silvera hurt his knee on the play so Faecher took over at quarterback. Silvera returned after a few plays and, facing a third-and-6 from the Mira Costa 46-yard line, connected with Faecher on a 39-yard pass play. Three plays later, Jefferson scored on a 3-yard run to give Redondo a 13-7 lead going in halftime.
After a scoreless third quarter, Mira Costa kept itself within striking distance blocking Redondo’s 45-yard field goal attempt midway through the fourth quarter.
With 5:17 left on the clock, a Mira Costa punt forced Redondo to start from its own 1-yard line. The Sea Hawks could not move the chains after three plays and set up to punt from its own end zone.
Punter Trevor Bowens received the snap but ran to his left, taking time off the clock before stepping out of the back of the end zone for a safety.
Trailing 13-9 with 2:56 remaining, Mira Costa began its comeback attempt from its own 35-yard line before Redondo thwarted the rally.
“It was a physical battle and a fun game to play in,” Redondo defensive lineman Cedric Muzik said. “There were a couple of plays where we could have scored, but we came out with a ‘W’ and that’s what matters.”
Silvera finished the game 6 of 17 passing for 130 yards while his counterpart, Arredondo, was 13 of 27 for 110 yards. Arredondo was also Mira Costa’s leading rusher with 42 yards.
Senior defensive back Jerone Jackson was selected Redondo’s Defensive Player of the Game while Special Teams honors went to senior Ryan Armalin. Junior wide receiver/defensive back Ryan Huggins earned the team’s Scout “Eager Beaver” Player of the Week.
Redondo and Mira Costa will now look forward to Sunday when the CIF-SS Western Division playoff brackets will be announced. Pairings and team records will be available at cifss.org.
