Fink, Tartans Too Much for Kaiser, Escapes with 29-24 Win

GLENDORA – USC commit Matt Fink’s 10-yard keeper with 2:24 remaining proved to be the winner as Glendora squeaked past Kaiser 29-24 Thursday night at Citrus Stadium.

But it was Fink as a receiver, not the passer who made the big play, catching a 37-yard pass from backup quarterback Forrest Affra to set up the game winning run.

“My coaches finally realize that I was tall, and kinda fast,” Fink said as he described the play with a laugh. “We actually ran the play a few times in practice and we got to use it in the game and executed it perfectly.”

Fink finished 10 of 23 for 223 yards and two touchdowns.

“We had a whole team effort today,” Fink said. “We came out and competed.”

It was Kaiser’s Joshua Johnson, however, who was the Tartans’ nemesis all night. The senior running back ran for three touchdowns, breaking a big 85-yard run to give the ‘Cats its first lead of the night at 24-23.

Johnson finished with 272 yards on 25 carries. He also scored on runs of 33 and 27 yards.

Kaiser had one more chance to retake the lead and win the game looked to backup quarterback Joseph Zepada to lead the drive. Zepada entered earlier for the starter Tyreke Jones who was injured earlier in the game. The Tartans’ James Nolan intercepted Zepada’s final heave to end Kaiser’s threat.

Glendora opens Palomares League play next Thursday as they travel to Covina District Field to face the South Hills Huskies. Kickoff is at 7pm.

Highlights and interview from #D1 Bound