Despite an inspiring fourth quarter comeback, Brentwood was eliminated from the CIF football playoffs, 21-20, by Bishop High from the Mammoth area, Friday night.
The first round game was played at Granada Hills High. Brentwood was the home team but had to find another site because its campus field doesn’t have lights.
The Eagles were behind, 21-6 when they rallied for two touchdowns. They made a two-point conversion after the first one but a pass failed on the second one.
“If fans had left after three quarters they wouldn’t have believed we had a chance to win,” said Brentwood coach Patrick Brown.
“Bishop was big and physical and they were dominating us. Then it suddenly changed. After the game I told our players they showed a lot of courage making that comeback. They grew up as a team.”
Brentwood had only 56 yards rushing. The passing of Greg Caruso triggered the rally as Caruso threw touchdown passes of 35 and 40 yards, the second to freshman Garret Swankey.
Brentwood’s first touchdown came on an interception return by Daniel Janes.
“It was a tough game to lose,” said Brown.
The Eagles were without receiver Ben Green, who missed the entire season after being injured, and running back Alex Kelln, who didn’t play because of a rotator cuff injury.
Brentwood finished with a 6-5 record. It will have several key players back next season but will have to replace four graduating linemen.
