Samohi Edges Venice in Nail-Biter

Jessica Stamp
Mirror contributing writer

   The Santa Monica High School football team held off a fourth quarter rally to win, 28-27, last Friday night at Venice High School.
   The Vikings jumped ahead 14-0 when they scored on their first two possessions. After Samohi kicked off to Venice, Adrian Gonzalez caused a fumble and ran it back for another Santa Monica touchdown. Gonzalez had two touchdowns in the first half. Paul Helmey scored the other touchdown off a 19-yard reception from Samohi quarterback Ricky Johnson. Failing on the extra point attempt, the Vikings remained at 20.
   Venice got on the board with a 30-yard passing play in the middle of the second quarter, making the score 20-7 at halftime.
   As the third quarter progressed, things began to fall apart for the Vikings. Samohi took a possession to the Venice 10-yard line late in the third quarter only to fumble and Venice recovered for a touchback. Both teams were scoreless in the third.
   Venice took control in the fourth quarter. They scored early and recovered another Santa Monica fumble at Venice’s 15-yard line. With 4:15 left, Venice took the lead 21-20.
   Santa Monica finally converted on a second half possession. Gonzalez ran for 15 yards, Zeido Hamzle ran for 31 yards, and Gonzalez scored a touchdown off a 19-yard run on the drive. The Vikings decided to attempt a two-point conversion. Ricky Johnson found Paul Helmey in the endzone and successfully passed to put Santa Monica up, 28-21.
   Venice had 2:12 to equalize or take the win. The final drive brought Venice down to Samohi’s two-yard line as the clock ran out. However, the officials called an offensive penalty and decided not to end the game on a foul, but rather allow Venice another attempt despite a five-yard loss. Venice then threw an interception, seemingly ending the game, but a flag on the play revealed a defensive personal foul and Venice regained possession. Venice threw for a touchdown to make it 28-27. Deciding to go for the win instead of the tie, Venice attempted a two-point conversion. They fell short, as Santa Monica’s Tyler Brunck stopped the runner half-a-yard short of the endzone.
   With no penalty on the play, the game was called. “It was a well-played game,” Santa Monica head coach Norm Lacy said, “all the kids played their hearts out.”
   Gonzalez had 25 carries for 169 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Johnson completed 10 of 18 passes for 110 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. Helmey had three receptions for 28 yards, while Brunck had three receptions for 19 yards, as well as the winning tackle.