Littlerock Rolls On, 17-13

By DAVE DESMOND

Oct. 31, 1998 12 AM PT

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

LANCASTER — Ever since Littlerock High joined the Golden League in 1992, the Lobos have watched other teams dominate.

“Now, it’s Littlerock’s turn to run the show,” Rodney Woods said.

Woods took center stage Friday night with 99-yard kickoff return to give the Lobos a 17-13 victory over Lancaster in a game for first place.

Littlerock (8-0, 3-0 in league play), ranked No. 7 in the region by The Times, can claim a share of its first title with a victory next week over two-time defending champion Palmdale.

It appeared No. 5 Lancaster (6-2, 2-1) would be the one on the brink of its first championship when Jason Jacobs connected with Dominic Flax on a crossing pattern for a 24-yard touchdown and a 13-10 lead with 2:40 left.

That’s when Woods fielded Robert LaPlante’s kickoff in front of his goal line and sprinted up the left sideline.

“We knew special teams would win this game,” Flax said. “We worked too hard to come this far and lose.”

Lancaster still had a chance to win, reaching the Littlerock 19-yard line. Jacobs, who completed five of nine passes for 86 yards, again attempted to find Flax in the end zone, but Woods intercepted the pass at the goal line with 1:15 left.

“Was that an exciting game or what?” said Coach Jim Bauer, whose Lobos scored all their points in the fourth quarter. “I’m spent.”

Lancaster outgained Littlerock, 300-162, but had four turnovers.

Woods, who had rushed for 815 yards in seven games, was limited to 37 yards in 13 carries, including a one-yard scoring run on the first play of the fourth quarter.

That run staked the Lobos to a 7-6 lead, and Andre Ramos added a 19-yard field goal for a 10-6 lead.

Danny Pagnella of Lancaster rushed for 84 yards in 11 carries but sat out most of the second half with an injury to his left leg.

Percy Abrams filled in and gained 60 yards in 12 carries.

Lancaster entered the fourth quarter with a 6-0 lead, which was built on field goals of 22 and 44 yards by LaPlante in the first half.

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Page 10

* City Section Roundup

* Southern Section Roundup