L.A. Baptist Feasts in Bible Bowl

MISSION HILLS — In a football rivalry known for its frenetic finishes, this was a rare exception.

For once, the Bible Bowl turned into an old-fashioned thumping.

L.A. Baptist High dominated nearly from start to finish in a 33-0 victory over Village Christian in an Alpha League game Friday night at Alemany High.

It was the fourth victory in a row over the Crusaders for L.A. Baptist (5-2, 1-1) and the Knights have won 14 of their last 15 league games.

L.A. Baptist was as potent as usual on offense, rolling up 429 yards, but it might have been the defense that turned it into a rout. Village Christian (2-5, 0-1) was limited to 154 yards and forced two turnovers.

“Our defense played really well and until the end of the first half I don’t think they had a first down,” L.A. Baptist Coach Mark Bates said.

Trailing, 13-0, late in the first half, Village Christian finally mounted a 51-yard drive, only to have a field-goal attempt get blocked by Mitchel Sanders.

In the second half, the Knights scored on their first two possessions to extend their lead to 26-0. Scott Swenson connected with Steven Long on a 25-yard touchdown pass and, after a fumble recovery, the Knights scored on a 17-yard run by Derek Suguitan.

The only question after that was whether the Knights would maintain their shutout. That didn’t turn out to be a problem.