Morse routs Grace Brethren, will play for state title

Led by over 300 rushing yards by star Superior Garror, Morse High School won Saturday’s Southern California Regional over Simi Valley Grace Brethren 57-40, punching its ticket to the CIF Class 6-A state championship game.

The Tigers played exemplary, complementary football in the first quarter. On Grace Brethren’s first possession of the game, the Tigers’ defense forced a turnover on downs.

Morse needed just four plays to march 63 yards downfield. The drive was capped by Ethan Esmailian hitting Brandon Short for a five-yard touchdown pass, putting the Tigers ahead 7-0.

In the second quarter, Morse continued to produce explosive plays. Garror broke free for a 79-yard rushing touchdown, making it 13-0. Garror finished the first half with 12 carries for 189 yards.

After Grace’s first score of the night, Morse promptly responded, as De’Vell Green returned the ensuing kickoff 78 yards for a touchdown. Green would find the end zone once more with under a minute to play in the second quarter, hauling in a 14-yard touchdown pass from Esmailian on 4th and nine and giving Morse a 27-12 lead heading into the half.

Morse’s offense quickly went back to work at the start of the third. On their second play of scrimmage of the half, Esmailian pulled the ball on a read option. Breaking free for the 69 score to make it a 33-12 Tigers lead.

To ice the game away, Morse leaned on Garror. He wouldn’t disappoint, tallying second-half touchdowns of 37, 27, and 47 yards. His final TD gave Morse a 57-40 lead with less than five minutes to play.