Behind a high-powered passing attack and a record-setting run, the Damien Spartans remained unbeaten with a 38-28 victory over the visiting St. Paul Swordsmen. Quarterback Isaiah Arriaza led the way with four touchdown passes, while running back Malachi McFarland electrified the home crowd with a 99-yard sprint to the end zone. The Spartans improved to 3-0, while St. Paul fell to 0-3 despite a gritty performance from quarterback Gabriel Castaneda, who accounted for four total touchdowns.

First Quarter – Spartans Strike Early

St. Paul opened aggressively, converting a fourth-and-1 behind Jace Levario’s 12-yard run. But Damien’s defense quickly shifted momentum as Andrew Metz picked off a pass to set the Spartans up with great field position.

Arrisza wasted no time, finding Raymond Ahumada for 25 yards before Dillon MacKie booted a 30-yard field goal for the game’s first points. On the next drive, McFarland broke loose for 35 yards, setting up a 40-yard touchdown pass from Arrisza to Travon Garrison Jr. Damien closed the first quarter leading 10-0.

Second Quarter – McFarland’s 99-Yard Magic

Arriaza kept the air attack rolling in the second quarter, hitting Xavier Keyzers on a 70-yard strike that stretched the lead to 17-0.

St. Paul responded with power running from Jordan Lauago and Marley Luatua, and Castaneda found Gavin Lannon in the end zone to cut into the deficit.

Just before halftime, St. Paul pinned Damien at their own 1-yard line with a perfect punt. On the very next play, McFarland burst through a crease and outran the defense for a breathtaking 99-yard touchdown run, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Damien entered the locker room with a commanding 24-7 advantage.

Third Quarter – Air Show Continues

Damien struck quickly after halftime as Arriaza launched a 65-yard touchdown pass to Eric Osorio, making it 31-7.

The Swordsmen showed fight, with Castaneda powering in from 10 yards out. The Spartans answered right back as Arriaza connected with Gavin Williams, who made a spectacular one-handed grab for 30 yards before hauling in a 15-yard touchdown.

Castaneda capped the quarter with a 4-yard keeper to pull St. Paul closer, but Damien still led 38-22 heading into the fourth.

Fourth Quarter – Spartans Hold On

The Swordsmen opened the final quarter with another determined drive, finished off by Castaneda’s 5-yard touchdown run. But Damien’s defense tightened, and Declan Becher delivered a crucial late sack to end St. Paul’s comeback hopes.

Arriaza finished with 277 passing yards and four touchdowns, while McFarland added 168 rushing yards and a score. Castaneda put on a valiant performance, totaling 182 yards and four touchdowns for the Swordsmen.

Looking Ahead

The Spartans (3-0) look to stay unbeaten when they host Tustin (2-1) next Friday at 7:00 p.m. St. Paul (0-3) faces another road challenge against Los Alamitos (4-0), also Friday at 7:00 p.m.

Game Photos

Photos taken by Rico’s Sports Pix