Servite Measures Up, Defeats Clovis

CLOVIS — In a game decided by inches, Servite scored a 26-21 victory over Clovis on Saturday night at Lamonica Stadium.

On a fourth-down play with 1 minute 44 seconds remaining, Clovis wingback Donnie Diaz was tackled at the Servite 24. Officials signaled a first down, but Servite asked for a measurement.

The chains showed Diaz was inches short, allowing Servite to take over on downs and run out the clock.

Servite (1-2) got the first break of the game midway through the first quarter when Clovis’ Ben Southern, trying to field a punt, fumbled. The Friars’ Ryan Schley recovered at the Cougar 17.

Four plays later, David Bedard scored on a seven-yard run with 3:58 left in the quarter.

Servite needed only five plays to cover 46 yards on its next possession. After four rushing plays, David Martin threw a 17-yard scoring pass to tight end Richard McDonald to put Servite up, 14-0, with 56 seconds left in the first quarter.

Clovis responded with a two-yard run on a reverse by Diaz.

Servite then drove to the Clovis five-yard line, but Frank Patti fumbled and Kevin Franz recovered for the Cougars with 8:04 left in the first half.

Clovis then drove 95 yards and scored on an eight-yard run by quarterback Jeff Munster.

Clovis took the lead on the third play of the second half, as tailback Kevin Semien scored on a 50-yard run.

But the Friars’ Mike Gerko returned the kickoff 72 yards to the Clovis 18. Five plays later, Martin hit Bedard with a five-yard touchdown pass.