By John Sherrard, Correspondent

NORTH HILLS – Whittier Christian High School junior quarterback Ryan Esslinger ran for three touchdowns and passed for three more to help keep the visiting Heralds undefeated in the Olympic League with a 47-21 victory over Heritage Christian on Saturday.

Esslinger, who has thrown for 24 touchdowns this season, tossed for scores of 36, 12 and 1 yards. He ran for 126 yards on 22 carries and rushed for TDs of 7, 1 and 4 yards.

“He’s a warrior and just doesn’t want to come out,” Whittier Christian coach Sergio Gradilla said. “He hurt his arm a few weeks ago and it’s still a little sore. He’s just a good quarterback.”

The victory sets up a showdown with Maranatha on Friday, with the winner in the driver’s seat for the league title.

Whittier Christian (5-3, 2-0) scored first on an 18-play, 77-yard drive, culminating with a 7-yard run by Esslinger for the early 7-0 lead.

Senior running back J.P. Marquez (32 carries, 149 yards) gave Whittier Christian a 13-0 lead on a 4-yard touchdown early in the second quarter.

After an 88-yard kickoff return by Heritage Christian wide receiver Alex Alcala (six catches, 136 yards), Esslinger ran for two of his three rushing touchdowns to give the Heralds a 26-7 lead at the half.

The Warriors (4-4, 0-2) struck early in the third quarter on a 55-yard pass from junior quarterback Tyler Noe (13 for 26, 157 yards) to Acala to trail 26-14.

Read more: High School Football: Heralds’ Esslinger accounts for six touchdowns