Sage Hill (5-5) defeated the Crean Lutheran Saints (1-9) 50-40 on Nov. 8, ending their regular season 5-5.  With this victory, Sage became one of the CIF Southern Section East Valley Division’s only three teams that was accepted to compete in the playoffs despite not finishing in one of their respective league’s guaranteed playoff spots.

In Sage’s case, the Academy League only guarantees two playoff spots (taken by Brethren Christian and Saint Margaret’s).  Although the Lightning finished third in the league, Sage performed well during their regular season to be allowed to compete in the playoffs.

The game began as a standoff, with both teams scoring and responding, tying the first quarter, 13-13.  This continued until the late second quarter.  The Lightning then recorded a defensive stop and scored on the ensuing run, taking a 27-20 lead.

In the second half, Crean retaliated, forcing the Lightning to kick a 27-yard field goal scored by senior William Burns.  From there, the Saints began to slowly close the gap between the scores.  However, a surprising pick-six from defensive lineman senior Daschel Grammer secured the lead and ultimately the game for the Lightning.

By the end of the third quarter, Sage was leading Crean 44-34.  Crean scored again, but Sage responded with another touchdown.  The Saints, desperate for a victory, attempted to score again but  failed to succeed, ending the game, 50-40.

Juniors quarterback Keith McCord II and running back Beaumont Roth and Burns played excellent games.  McCord threw three touchdowns and caught one pass for a touchdown thrown by junior Vincent Whetmore in a trick play.  Rushing for 132 yards on 25 carries, Roth scored two touchdowns.  Jack-of-all-trades, Burns, received for 90 yards on eight catches and two touchdowns, recorded eight tackles, five PATs, and one field goal.