Coyotes survive and advance

Courtesy of Joe Lopez

Madera’s Josue Madrigales, bottom, and Issaiah Beas jump on a fumble that Beas created with a quarterback sack to end Friday’s victory over Bakersfield Chrsitian. Isaac Contreras (31) and Zach Prince (8) come in for support.

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Daniel Mendez scored a touchdown with about two minutes left, and Andy Berry hit the extra point to give the Madera Coyotes football team a 27-20 lead with about two minutes left Friday in a Div. II Central Section first round playoff game against Bakersfield Christian.

The Eagles showed why they were the No. 6 seed when they completed a 55-yard pass for a touchdown to cut Madera’s lead to one with about 10 seconds left. However, J.J. Lopez blocked the extra point keep Madera in front.

The drama didn’t end there. Bakersfield Christian tried an onsides kick, and recovered. They went back for a Hail Mary. Fortunately for the Coyotes, the Eagles’ prayers weren’t answered. Issaiah Beas broke through the line for a sack and fumble to allow the Coyotes to get into victory formation for a 27-26 victory.