Edison Holds Off Eisenhower, 18-14

RIALTO — Edison High School almost lost its chance to avenge last year’s opening-round playoff loss to Division I power Fontana, but Keith Burke had other ideas.

Burke had a key interception late in the game preserved a 18-14 victory over Eisenhower Friday night in a Division I playoff game at Eisenhower.

Edison’s victory, coupled with Fontana’s victory over Long Beach Wilson, sets up a long-awaited rematch next Saturday.

“I think the kids would like a chance to play them (Fontana) for two reasons,” Edison Coach Dave White said. “First, for revenge, and because they are the No. 1 team in the state.

“We’ll be the underdog and we’d like to have another shot at them.”

The Chargers (10-2) would not have had a chance without an interception by Burke, a junior defensive back. He picked off a pass by Eisenhower’s Jason Davis with 4:50 remaining in the game.

Burke’s interception came on the play following an Edison fumble by senior tailback Shane Sherman at midfield. Sherman, who rushed for 102 yards in 29 carries, kept the Chargers close after the Edison defense was burned on a 91-yard Eisenhower touchdown pass play on the first play of the game. Sherman scored from 11 yards with 1:27 remaining in the first quarter, cutting the Eagles’ lead to 7-6.

“It took some air out of us,” White said. “We knew they were capable of big plays. They got two. I’m just glad they didn’t get three.”

The other big-gainer for Eisenhower was a 59-yard run by senior running back Eric Malbrough midway through the third quarter, which gave the Eagles a 14-6 lead.

Edison senior quarterback Donnie Smith scored the first of two touchdowns early in the fourth quarter, a four-yard keeper, cutting Eisenhower’s lead to 14-12. The Chargers went for a tie, but their two-point conversion attempt failed.

But the Edison defense held and forced the Eagles to punt and Smith led the Chargers on a seven-play drive that covered 63 yards and culminated with a one-yard run by Smith with 8:10 remaining in the game.

“Our defense made the plays,” White said. “That’s the key.”

But the Edison offense was also effective. Although the Chargers are known for their running game, the passing also was balanced. Smith completed 18 of 26 passes for 236 yards.

“They come from a great league,” White said. “We knew it would be a battle. But we’ve got a big battle next week for sure.”