Defense Is Key for Southwest

SAN DIEGO —  A season that has proven unpredictable in the Metro Conference took another turn Friday at Montgomery High.

The Montgomery Aztecs went in boasting the top defense in the league. Predictably, at game’s end the team boasting the league’s top defense had the victory.

“We have the best defense in the league,” said lineman Carlos Flores. “That’s all I have to say.”

Surprise--Flores plays for Southwest, which stowed away a 21-12 upset.

Southwest (5-2, 3-1) remained in a tie for second place as Montgomery (3-3-1, 2-2) fell back.

It was Flores who sealed the victory with an interception at the line of scrimmage--the Southwest 31--with 5 1/2 minutes remaining.

Quarterback Chris Weaver’s pass was intended for running back Tommy Conner, who was in motion toward the sideline before pivoting as the ball was snapped. The play was designed to go to Conner, who would then head up field with his offensive line leading the way.

“I saw the play coming,” Flores said. “And (Weaver) just hit me.”

Flores ran the ball back inside the one, and on the next play quarterback O’Brian Woods sneaked across the goal line. After Ilde Moreno tacked on the extra point, Southwest sat on a 21-3 lead.

Flores’ interception was one of two defensive plays that set up touchdowns. Early in the first quarter, Weaver ran an option to the right sideline, got hit and tried pitching the ball back--except it went to Southwest defensive back Mitchell Sanchez, who returned it 63 yards before being tackled.

Danny Lim--who gained only 18 yards on nine first-half carries--ran it in from the one. Despite his trouble in the opening half, Lim broke loose in the second two quarters for 74 yards and another touchdown on 18 carries.

While Lim found some holes, Montgomery’s defense sacked Woods, the section’s leading passer, six times, forced him to fumble once and held him to three completions (on six attempts) and 27 yards.

Weaver made a valiant effort in the game’s final minutes, but his completions of 51 and 30 yards, plus a 12-yard touchdown run, were too little.