Three Cordova High School football players posted impressive offensive numbers against Vista del Lago in last Friday’s non-league game at Lancers Stadium.

That led to a high-scoring first half between the Lancers and visiting Eagles. But in the final 24 minutes of the game, the contest belonged to Vista del Lago, which posted a 52-35 victory over Cordova (2-2).

“The second half, I think, they just wore us down,” said Cordova head coach Darren Nill of the Eagles. “They were a more physical team than we were. They were bigger, they were stronger.”

Vista del Lago (2-2) led 32-29 at halftime. The signs showed that the second half could be a repeat of the first half.

“We were neck-and-neck,” said Nill of the first half. “They came out with a different defense than anybody has really played us all year. Their game, I believe, was just to take away our run and make us throw.”

In the third quarter, the Lancers looked like they had the Eagles grounded in terms of an offensive drive being stopped. But on third down, the Lancers were called for pass interference. That gave Vista another first down, and led to one of its two touchdowns in the quarter for a 44-29 lead.

“That really turned the momentum,” Nill said. “They were able to continue their drive.”

The Lancers’ next offensive drive, following the Eagles’ touchdown, resulted in a punt. But the punt was blocked, and the Eagles recovered the ball in Cordova territory. That led to Vista’s next touchdown in the quarter.

“It was those two events that took the wind out of our sails,” Nill said.

Both teams scored a touchdown each in the fourth quarter. But by that time, Vista secured the win.

The Eagles loaded the box on defense. That allowed Cordova quarterback Xavier Johnson time to throw the ball, and was very successful. The sophomore completed 18-of-30 passes for 333 yards for four touchdowns. When he wasn’t throwing the ball, he rushed 13 times for 121 yards.

“He had a great game,” said Nill of Johnson.

Cordova wide receivers Calvin Augusta and Alvin Banks also had outstanding games. Augusta, a junior, had only three receptions but for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Banks was 7-122 and a touchdown.

On defense, Lancer middle linebacker Kenneth Haney led the way with 15 tackles.

In the frosh/soph game, Vista del Lago was also winners over Cordova, 48-12.

Tonight, Friday, Cordova wraps up its pre-season schedule with a short trek to play at Foothill of Sacramento.

“I think it’s a win that we really want to have,” said Nill of tonight’s game against Foothill (1-3).

Game time for tonight’s game is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.