By Alfonso Rivera Jr.
Damian Cornejo was eager to get back on that playing field after a 3-game injury hiatus. The star running back came back with a vengeance. Cornejo rushed for 233 yards on 30 carries and scored three touchdowns to propel the hosts to victory in the opening round of the City Section Open Division Playoffs.
Dominic Vasquez nabbed his 5th interception of the season in addition to catching a 24-yard touchdown pass. Quarterback Damian Cabrera linked up with Paul Ramos just prior to the 3rd quarter ending to give the hosts a 28-21 lead they would never relinquish.
The (10-1) Garfield Bulldogs will host the similar (10-1) Gardena Panthers on Friday 11.17 @ 7pm in East Los Angeles. The Bulldogs put up points, the Panthers do not give up many. A high-powered offense against an adversary that is here because of its stellar and hounding defense.
The # 3 seeded Panthers edged out a win over the 6th seeded Palisades Dolphins 14-10 in their respective first round matchup. The winner will play either the # 1 seed and 3 time defending Open Division Champion Birmingham Patriots, or the 4th seeded Carson Colts. The Patriots romped Narbonne 57-19 while the Colts handled Granada Hills 34-12 in their first-round encounters.
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