Brethren Christian Comes Back to Edge Murphy, 13-12

PLAYA DEL REY — Brethren Christian took advantage of two fourth-quarter turnovers for a 13-12 come-from-behind victory over Los Angeles Murphy Saturday night at St. Bernard High School.

“Our first-half offense was flat,” Warrior Coach Ken Sharrar said. “The question for the second half was, ‘Do you have excitement?’ ”

Brethren Christian fell behind on the opening drive when running back Ronald Eadie scored on a two-yard touchdown run.

The Nobles (0-1), who controlled the ball for most of the first half, threatened to score on their next possession, reaching the Warriors’ 19-yard line. A sack by Rob Dejong and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty pushed Murphy out of scoring position.

After a Brethren Christian fumble on their 26-yard line, the Nobles scored on an eight-yard touchdown run by Danny Ragsdale with 9 minutes 16 seconds left in the half.

Brethren Christian (1-0) had a chance to score late in the second quarter. After driving to the Murphy 17, Brethren Christian fell short on a fourth-down pass play.

“At halftime,” Sharrar said, “we made some adjustments to contain their option and give our quarterback some time to pass.”

A fumble recovery by Dejong in the fourth quarter set up Brethren Christian’s first score. While scrambling, Ryan Babcock threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Mike Harriman.

Brethren Christian’s defensive changes put enough pressure on Ragsdale to force an interception by Theo Dennis at the Warriors’ 41-yard line. John Dingman then scored on a 13-yard touchdown run with 1:52 remaining.