Clements' passing helps La Habra stay unbeaten

DOWNEY - Cody Clements tied a career high with four touchdown passes, and La Habra overcame a shaky start and went on to defeat Downey, 45-15, in a nonleague game Friday night at Downey High.

Clements completed 10 passes for 289 yards as the Highlanders (3-0) beat the Vikings for the third consecutive year.

"Our line played great tonight and our receivers made big plays," said Clements, who also threw four touchdown passes against La Mirada in the opener.

"This win gives us confidence, but we still have things we can improve on."

La Habra started the game off on the wrong foot. On the first play from scrimmage, the ball was hiked over Josh Quezada’s head and rolled into the end zone. Quezada picked it up but was tackled for a safety and the Highlanders trailed, 2-0, after 16 seconds.

Later in the quarter, Clements completed an 81-yard TD pass to Brett Bartolone. Moments later, after a Vikings turnover, Clements tossed a 15-yard scoring pass to Jake McBride, giving the Highlanders a 14-2 lead.

Sean Wale added a 32-yard field goal and La Habra led, 17-2, at the half.

The Highlanders defense, led by Mike Sparling and Will Parsons, forced two Downey (1-2) turnovers in the first half and kept the Vikings offense in check.

In the second half the Highlanders poured it on as Bartolone and Mark Yackey caught long TD passes from Clements.

La Habra also scored two defensive touchdowns in the second half – on a 40-yard interception return by Will Peppered and a fumble recovery in the end zone by Ben Sowma.

"We kept plugging and pecking away," said Highlanders coach Frank Mazzotta. "We played well, but the next two weeks against Los Alamitos and San Clemente are going to be a challenge.”

Steven Cervantes completed 19 passes and two touchdowns to lead the Vikings.