SAN JOSE - Piedmont Hills used a big third quarter and over 400 yards of offense to take down Lincoln on Thursday night, in a key BVAL-Mt. Hamilton game, winning 42-35.
Junior quarterback Gabriel Reclusado threw for 197 yards and four touchdowns, but the Pirates also ran for 212 yards, led by 90 yards and a score from senior Patrick Jimenez, and another 84 yards and a touchdown from Reclusado.
Junior Brandon Lowe had a huge night through the air for Piedmont Hills, hauling in nine catches for 147 yards and three scores.
The Pirates led just 14-13 at halftime, but scored 21 points in the third quarter and led by 14 points entering the final 12 minutes of the game. Lincoln, behind a powerful running game, never quit and made things close again late in the game.
The Lions attempted just one pass in the game, which was incomplete, but ran for 341 yards. Junior Isaac Juarez carried the ball 21 times for 143 yards, and four different Lincoln ball-carriers reached the end zone, including a pair of touchdowns for junior Gabe Florez, who ran for 72 yards. Sophomore Adam Arenas added 81 yards and a score on 15 carries.
With the win, Piedmont Hills improved to 6-2 overall, 3-2 in league play, one game behind co-leaders Oak Grove and Live Oak entering Friday night's action. Lincoln, who is not eligible for the playoffs regardless, fell to 2-6 overall and 2-3 in league play.
Piedmont Hills plays at Santa Teresa next week, while Lincoln plays at Leigh.
