St. Francis Gets Another Passing Grade

Since kindergarten, John Sciarra and Nathan Terrazone have been best friends.

They trust each other like brothers. Their camaraderie and instincts will be a crucial factor in St. Francis’ High bid to win the Southern Section Division III football title this fall.

On Saturday, Sciarra, the quarterback, and Terrazone, the tight end and linebacker, helped the Golden Knights defeat St. Bonaventure, 13-6, in the championship game of the Cal Lutheran seven-on-seven passing tournament.

Terrazone, 6 feet 3 and 220 pounds, is the kind of large target over the middle every quarterback needs to loosen up a defense.

“We probably threw him 40 passes [Saturday] and he didn’t drop one,” Coach Jim Bonds said.

Terrazone made two interceptions in the final game and caught a game-tying touchdown in St. Francis’ double overtime semifinal victory over Notre Dame.

Sciarra, who’s 6-2 and one of the top quarterbacks in Southern California, continues to attract new fans with his summer passing performances. Each time he takes the field, he exudes energy and confidence.

“He’s so excitable and I love coaching him,” Bonds said.

Add speedy receiver Brett Mitchell to the mix and you begin to understand why St. Francis is the only team to prevent Hart from winning a passing tournament this summer.

Bonds warned his players afterward, “Our goal isn’t to be passing league champions. Our goal is to be [Southern Section] champions.”

*

Hart High, behind All-Southern Section quarterback Kyle Matter, defeated Granada Hills, 24-18, in the championship game of the Valley College tournament Saturday.

Matter threw two touchdown passes to Chris Steck and one each to Evan Allen and Tim Gregory.

Bobby Baca led Granada Hills with three touchdown passes, including a 50-yarder to Joey Rodriguez.

“They had a good defense, but we were able to find some openings,” Matter said.

Saugus won the competition among linemen that includes a relay race, obstacle course and bench press. Representing the Centurions were Jeff Gallo, Victor Jalapan, Filip Schatz, Eli Munoz and Nicholas Schafer.

*

St. Bonaventure, defending Division XI champion, upset Westlake in the Cal Lutheran tournament semifinals and performed beyond expectations considering the Seraphs have a new quarterback, junior Jack Swisher.

Coach Jon Mack’s team is loaded with quality athletes, none better than junior running back Lorenzo Booker. Sophomore receiver Whitney Lewis also made several impressive catches.

Notre Dame displayed improvement behind receivers Jimmy Sharp and Mike Luderer.