Ayres, Ross save Lightning

Pair stuff conversion play for Sage’s win.NEWPORT COAST -- Don Ayres labeled it his best defensive play in his football career.

Braden Ross was thinking along the same lines.

And because of the duo, the Sage Hill School football team will have practice Thanksgiving morning, considered a privilege in the football world.

Ayres, a junior linebacker, and Ross, a junior cornerback, converged to stuff the opposing quarterback on a win-or-lose two-point conversion play to give the Lightning a 28-27 victory over visiting Pasadena Poly in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division XIII playoffs on Friday night.

“That was the best defensive play I have ever made,” Ayres said. “Best defensive play in my whole career.”

Said Ross: “I totally agree. That was by far the biggest defensive play. It was for the seniors on the team. Now we get to play another week.”

Stephen Sherman led Poly (5-5) on a last-minute drive, connecting with receiver Greg Lawler on a 25-yard touchdown pass with 21.2 seconds left to bring the visitors to within, 28-27.

On a gutsy do-or-die conversion call, Sherman rolled out, but Ayres and Ross sprinted over and stuffed him at the 1-yard line, preserving the victory. 20051119iq6svykn(LA)