Look: Apple Valley outlasts Hesperia in exciting playoff battle

Check out the highlight video and photo gallery from the playoff clash between Mojave River League foes

Author:
Lance Smith, SBLive Sports
Publish date:
Nov 4, 2023 9:16 AM EDT

HESPERIA, CALIF. - After losing 15-14 at Hesperia in league play four weeks prior, Apple Valley returned to Hesperia on Friday hoping to return the favor.

This time with the season – and a trip to the CIFSS D5 quarterfinals – on the line.

Apple Valley was victorious, winning the playoff opener 35-32 in a nail-biter to set up a meeting with Western (Anaheim) in round two.

MORE: ALL 14 CIF SOUTHERN SECTION PLAYOFF BRACKETS

Zyron Belcher ran for two touchdowns, Xavier Salazar ran for one touchdown, and both Apple Valley running backs totaled more than 100 rushing yards too. Noah Celie ran for a touchdown as well and threw a touchdown pass to Dominic Bechtel.

For Hesperia, Da'lon Williams ran for two touchdowns and well over 200 yards, and Anthony Lopez threw two touchdown passes to Don Henry. Ty Topete hit a pair of field goals for the Scorpions.

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