Linebacker’s 3 interceptions propel Christian to SoCal Regional title

Behind a three-interception night from linebacker Hank Houston, visiting Christian High School dominated Cerritos Valley Christian 27-13 late Friday in the Southern California regionals, punching its ticket to the Division 5-AA state championship game.

The Patriots advance to play Oakland’s Bishop O’Dowd, which beat Chico 23-20 in Friday’s Northern California title game.

Christian scored on its opening possession, Julian Morones taking a second-down draw play 53 yards into the end zone. With the game tied 7-7, Kaleb Runkle put Christian back ahead. The Patriots’ star quarterback hit wide Kai Rosier on a 23-yard touchdown pass, pushing Christian back ahead 14-7 with 6:58 to play.

Before half’s end, the Patriots’ defense turned in a big play of its own. Houston jumped a pass from Sweeney and returned it 35 yards for the pick-six, helping the Patriots to take a 20-7 lead into the half.

Houston continued to leave his mark on the game after the break. On Valley Christian’s second possession of the half, he tallied his second interception of the night, going airborne to come down with a tipped ball at the line of scrimmage.

In the fourth quarter, the Patriots’ offense reignited. Runkle and Rosier connected once again, this time for a 43-yard score that made it 27-7 with 10:12 left to play.

To ice the game away, Christian received one more big play from Houston. With Valley Christian facing second down from the Patriots’ 20-yard line, Houston jumped in front of yet another Sweeney pass for his third interception of the night. He finished the game with three interceptions  and a sack in the win.