La Mirada~La Mirada beat Laguna Hills tonight 27-24 in a semifinal contest, sending the Matadores to the final for the first time since 1992.

When Ralph Gramajo intercepted a Laguna Hills pass midway through the third quarter, it seemed La Mirada was on its way to a victory, leading 24-10.

However, Laguna came back, scoring two touchdowns within a span of around three minutes, including a recovered on-side kick, tying the score at 27 and sending into overtime.

The La Mirada defense, seemed dazed, tired, confused, like a prize fighter up against the ropes in the last rounds.

In overtime on its first possesion of CIF rules, La Mirada-unable to punch it in for a TD-settled for a field goal, giving them a 27-24 advantage.  

On Laguna Hill's possesion, they drove the ball down to the two yard line, and it appeared they were about to win the game. On 2nd and four from the La Mirada two yard line, the defending Southern Division Laguna Hills Hawks, seemingly ready to make a return trip to the finals, fumbled, and La Mirada recovered.

Game over.

The La Mirada defense came up big, again.

A wild celebration ensued at Goodman Stadium.

Final: La Mirada 27, Laguna Hills 24 (OT).

La Mirada will play the winner of the Garden Grove/Norwalk game tomorrow evening at Excelsior Stadium in Norwalk, beginning at 7:00 p.m.; possibly setting up an all-Suburban League final at Cerritos College next Saturday, December 12th, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Check out this write-up in the OC Register here.