Warren hangs on to beat Downey, 41-38

DOWNEY – The annual Downey-Warren rivalry football game finally took place last Friday night at Downey High School and did not disappoint, with the Bears coming away with the highly competitive and exciting 41-38 win.

The game was played in front of a limited crowd but certainly had the feeling of a rivalry game, as well as a league championship game.

Each team came into the game with an undefeated record. Downey was 4-0 overall and 2-0 in S.G.V.L. play while Warren came in at 4-0 overall and 3-0 in S.G.V.L. play. The game was a classic back and forth battle where the team who had the ball last would most likely win. Downey had the ball last but a last second “Hail Mary” as time expired was unsuccessful.

Downey raced out to an early lead and led 16-12 at the end of the first quarter. Warren came back in the second quarter and outscored Downey 14-0 to take a 26-16 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The Vikings responded in the third quarter by outscoring the Bears 22-0. Downey had the lead and the momentum as the Vikings took that 38-26 advantage into the fourth quarter.

Warren, however, outscored Downey 15-0 in the fourth quarter and came away with the hard fought, come from behind, 41-38 win.

Complete Warren game statistics were not available at press time. However, the Bears have been led on offense this season by 6’6 sophomore quarterback Nicholaus Iamaleava.

Running backs Damario Strong, Jahsiah Sheffield and Marcus Higgs have all punished defenses with their highly effective ground game.

Wide receivers Asontt Williams, Juan Wilson, Kyle Miller and Joshua Johnson have also helped keep the sticks moving by catching passes down the field.

The Bears have also been stingy on defense this season and have been led by tackling machine E.J. Smith, Rashad Brown and Tim Moore.

Downey quarterback Chris Hernandez completed 20/41 pass attempts for 225 yards and three touchdowns. Downey running back(s) Antonio Ruiz carried the ball ten times for 53 yards, Jacob Skobis’ carried the ball 11 times for 59 yards and two touchdowns and Keion Andrew carried the ball six times for 19 yards.

The Viking receiving corps was led by Tryse Redford’s seven catches for 81 yards and two touchdowns, Sharif Bell’s five catches for 68 yards and Ian Hernandez’s two catches for 34 yards and one touchdown.

The Viking defense was led by Jaylon Gray’s six solo and six assisted tackles, Andrew Reyes’ five solo and seven assisted tackles, Andres De anda’s five solo and five assisted tackles, Jojo Robinson’s five solo and two assisted tackles and David Reyes’ five solo and two assisted tackles.

There will be no postseason for either school due to the late start of the football season. Warren is the 2020-21 San Gabriel Valley League champion (4-0).

Downey finished second (2-1) and Dominguez finished third (2-2). Downey defeated Dominguez 43-19 on April 2nd.