NORWALK- Members of the San Clemente defense had seen his picture all week. Servite's D.J. Shoemate's mug was featured on the cover of the Tritons' scouting report, taped up at practice and delivered to players in their classrooms. The message was simple — stop Shoemate and the Tritons win. If only it was that simple.

Shoemate's 12-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter propelled the Friars to victory, 54-43, in a CIF-SS Pac-5 first round game Friday night at Cerritos College.

San Clemente had a chance to comeback, but Bijon Samoodi's interception return for a touchdown sealed the triumph.

"It was unbelievable effort by the whole team," Shoemate said. "It's truly a blessing to have everyone on this team play like it's their last on every play."

Shoemate had 60 of his 171 rushing yards on the final drive. The USC-bound senior also scored on a 59-yard reception, and also threw a 28-yard touchdown pass.

"Obviously, that was a great football game," Friar coach Troy Thomas said.

San Clemente put its trust in quarterback Brad Curtis. The senior set another school record with five touchdown passes. His last, a 4-yard connection to Graham Tenney, gave San Clemente a 43-40 lead with 4:20 remaining in the contest.

"How can you feel bad when two teams played their (butts) off," Triton coach Eric Patton said. "I'm real proud of Brad. And our receivers played real gutsy."

Curtis completed throws to 10 receivers, including 11 to Matt Belardes. The two hooked up just before the end of the second quarter to cut the team's deficit to 28-21.

San Clemente tied it at 28 on Tenney's first touchdown reception, a 13-yard pass from Curtis. The Tritons then took the lead, 35-28, on Ben Gomez's 23-yard TD catch.

Contact the writer: ctobolski@ocregiter.com