CAL 38, PIONEER 14
WHITTIER — It was now or likely never Thursday for the California High School football team, which needed a win to stay in the hunt for the Del Rio League title chase and stay alive for a CIF Southern Section playoff spot.
The Condors passed the test.
Christopher Lowden rushed for 153 yards and two touchdowns and Robert Guillen had three interceptions and recovered a fumble to lead host California to a 38-14 victory over Pioneer.
California forced seven turnovers, including five interceptions, to improve to 4-3 overall and 1-1 in league play. Davon Benjamin accounted for 94 yards and two touchdowns for the Titans, who slipped to 0-7 and 0-2.

Cal, keyed by four turnovers, led 24-7 at halftime.
Lowden rushed for 136 yards in the first two quarters for the Condors, who scored on their first two drives and their last two of the half.
Cal coach Kyle Trudell: “We’re really banged up. But the kids rallied. We challenged the (offensive line) and they stepped up. That’s all you can ask for. We still have a long road ahead of us, and Santa Fe next week. But it was a much-needed victory for the Condors.”
Christopher Lowden: “That 26-yard run to the 1 — I peronally thought it should be a touchdown. The other one, I should have got by knees up. I want to thank my line; I want to thank my teammates for making me who I am and getting me fired up everyday, for practice and for games.”
— Stephen Ramirez