PHOTOS: Ocean View battles to the end but falls short in CIF playoffs against Bell Gardens

Ocean View’s William Pardue IV scores a TD Friday night as Gutierrez Gerardo of Bell Gardens reaches out. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone).

By ALEX SUAREZ

For OC Sports Zone

Ocean View High School’s football team faced off against Bell Gardens in the quarterfinals of the CIF Division 14 playoffs Friday night, losing 28-21 in a game that hinged on the final drive.

The Seahawks had a chance to either tie or win the game.

“The biggest thing for us was the kids have had a mentality of next play,” said Ocean View Coach Daniel Hernandez. “I’m proud of my kids, they just kept chipping away and I’m proud of their effort tonight.” 

After winning their first CIF playoff game since 2011, the Seahawks hosted the Lancers in the quarterfinals. The Seahawks (6-6, 1-2) swiftly established a 14-0 lead with an 11-yard touchdown run by William Pardue IV and a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Frankie Armenta in the second quarter. Armenta ended the game throwing for 159 yards.

But Bell Gardens rallied in the second half. 

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Ocean View captains (from left) head onto the field: Frankie Armenta, Angel Adame, Pedro Maldonado and Jayden Trujillo.

Seahawks enter the field led by Oswaldo Lozano.

Ocean View QB Frankie Armenta looks downfield for an open receiver.

Maico Flores bring in a pass for Ocean View.

Ocean View's Randy Leal celebrates the touchdown by William Pardue IV.

Devyn Duarte of Bell Gardens hauls in a pass as Angel Adame of Ocean View defends.

Jayden Trujillo of Ocean View breaks through and picks up yards.

Jayden Trujillo of Ocean View avoids being tackled by Sean Allen of Bell Gardens.

Devyn Duarte of Bell Gardens drives towards the end zone, defended by Angel Adame of Ocean View.

Daniel Tovar of Bell Gardens scores a touchdown, getting past Gaige Prichard of Ocean View.

Ivan Ortiz of Ocean View brings in a pass reception.

Ocean View QB Frankie Armenta gets rid of the ball before being hit.

Ocean View's Ivan Ortiz brings in a pass, defended by Sean Allen.

Angel Adame and Steve Velazquez of Ocean View embrace following the loss.

Players shake hands on the 50-yard line following the game.

Oswaldo Lozano ended the game as the Seahawks leading receiver with 88 yards on five receptions. The Seahwawks were using Jayden Trujillo to set the tone with his hard physical runs and were able to move the ball effectively down the field behind him. Trujillo was the leading rusher for Ocean View with 69 rushing yards on 18 attempts.

“They use me as a tank,” Trujillo said. “Try and get a few yards here and there but it’s my first year playing running back and I’m trying to learn how to be shifty.”

Despite the challenging loss, Hernandez and Ocean View aims to build on a remarkable season, looking ahead to next year.

“I look forward to what we can do with a full off-season and weight room,” Hernandez said. “I don’t think people have really seen what we can achieve yet.”

Bell Gardens (7-5, 3-2) was led by leading rusher Daniel Tovar. Tovar finished the game with four rushing touchdowns and 139 yards. Tovar’s longest run of the game was a 65-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. 

Jacob Reyes finished the game throwing for 91 yards on six completions. The Lancers will take on Artesia next weekend in the semifinals.