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COMPTON – Teams playing in the Trinity League know to expect a host of challenges. So when No. 4 Orange Lutheran found itself in a tight contest in its season opener, the Lancers knew how to handle it.

The Lancers’ defense came up with two big stops inside the red zone, and Orange Lutheran defeated Dominguez of Compton, 21-13, Friday night in a nonleague game at Dominguez High.

Orange Lutheran was clinging to a 14-7 lead early in the fourth quarter when the Dons (0-1) threatened at the Lancers 14. On fourth-and-2, the Lancers (1-0) stopped Ioane Niupulusu to get the ball back.

“I don’t care what they do from the 20 to the 20, but when you get in the red zone, that’s where you make your money,” Lancers coach Chuck Petersen said of his defense. “They did that.”

The Lancers, who had long-snapping issues earlier in the game, were in danger of giving the ball back deep in their own territory when they faced a third-and-long situation on the next series. Lj Northington found Milshon Lathan for a critical 20-yard pickup.

“That was a big momentum shift for us,” Lathan said. “That play got us up and ready to win the game.”

That play sparked a big drive. Markell Quinn followed with a 25-yard run to get the Lancers past midfield. Brandon McKinney’s 18-yard catch moved the ball to the Dominguez 10, and Dominik Austin provided the Lancers some separation with a 3-yard rushing touchdown to make it 21-7.

The Lancers’ defense was led by Michael Noble and Joshua Witherspoon, with each recording multiple tackles in the backfield.

The combination of Northington and Lathan made its presence felt on the Lancers first drive, connecting three times for 61 yards, the last resulting in a 29-yard touchdown.