Defensive Backs Come to Savanna’s Rescue

ANAHEIM —  Perhaps it comes from practicing against the top-rated quarterback in Orange County, but Savanna’s defensive backs are showing they are secondary to none.

Friday night they intercepted three crucial passes for the second game in a row as the Rebels defeated Covina, 21-17, in a Division VI quarterfinal game at Western High School.

Dedrick Innis’ second interception of the game halted the Colts’ final drive at the Savanna 45 with less than four minutes left and the Rebels advanced to the Southern Section semifinals for the first time in the school’s history.

“I am really happy about this win,” Savanna Coach Fred DiPalma said. “But now we have to get ready for next week.”

The Rebels had only 12 passing yards in the first and trailed, 17-7.

Leo Asoau intercepted a pass from Paul Waldrop and returned to the five, setting up Covina’s second touchdown. Waldrop also fumbled in Rebel territory late in the half.

An interception in the end zone by Savanna’s Rani Kahouch, his third of the playoffs, kept Covina from adding to its lead before halftime.

Savanna (10-2) got the break it needed midway through the third quarter, when Colt running back Freddie Knight fumbled on Covina’s 20. Kahouch’s reception on the next play brought the ball to the one, where Daven King scored two plays later to cut Covina’s lead to 17-13.

Savanna’s defense then stopped Knight on fourth and one on the Covina 35 with 7:10 left in the game. Waldrop got five yards on a keeper and King ran the ball twice to the one, where he scored his second touchdown from a yard.

Covina had one more chance, but Innis stepped in front of a third-down pass and returned it to midfield, securing the victory for Savanna.