UPDATE: In a stunning display of teamwork and resilience, North Torrance football triumphed over South Torrance with a decisive score of 48-14 on October 20, 2023. Jason Lewis emerged as the star of the night, scoring three touchdowns and leading his team to victory following the absence of injured starter Jaydan Andrade.
Earlier in the week, Coach Todd Croce emphasized the necessity for his running backs to step up, and Lewis, alongside Steven Sarabia, answered the call. Lewis’s performance included rushing for 60 yards and securing crucial touchdowns that propelled North Torrance to improve their record to 6-3 overall and 2-2 in the Pioneer League.
“We had a rough first half, but we came out strong after a motivating speech by my teammate, Luca Galdamez,” Lewis stated post-game. “He told us we needed to lock in and push for our running backs.” This rallying cry sparked a second-half surge that left the South Torrance defense struggling.
The Saxons set the tone early in the second half, with a powerful drive from their own 47-yard line. Sarabia led the charge, scoring from just 1 yard out, narrowing the score to 27-14. Lewis continued the offensive momentum, scoring again from the 1-yard line and later breaking free for a 17-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, solidifying North’s commanding lead.
Coach Croce praised the team’s second-half performance, noting, “It was nice to see the offense score on all possessions.” In addition to Lewis’s contributions, quarterback Ethan Edwards threw a 6-yard touchdown to Kchole Mataele-Juarez and showcased his defensive skills by intercepting two passes from South quarterback Chase Spahr.
Edwards reflected on the team’s effort, stating, “I just knew I had to put the team on my back. We missed out on Jaydan, but Lewis and Sarabia stepped up and executed perfectly.” North’s kicker, John Roa, also made his mark, converting field goals from 31 and 20 yards.
Meanwhile, South Torrance, now 3-6 and 0-4 in league play, faced challenges due to limited roster depth, with only 33 players available. Coach Matt Mishler acknowledged that fatigue was evident in the second half. “Our guys still played to the finish, but fatigue settled in,” he explained.
Chase Spahr, South’s quarterback and the Pioneer League’s passing leader, managed to score on an 8-yard touchdown run and threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Kerekes. Despite the loss, Spahr emphasized the team’s determination, stating, “Their D-line was active, and we fought hard until the end.”
As North Torrance celebrates this significant win, fans can look forward to their next game as they strive to build on this momentum. The victory not only boosts team morale but also solidifies their position in the league race, making them a team to watch in the coming weeks.
