Lofty expectations have been placed on the Diamond Bar offense for 2013, but the Brahmas’ special teams play led the way in a season-opening 44-10 victory over visiting Montebello.

The Brahmas scored consecutive first-half special teams touchdowns over a four-minute span to break the game open.

Following an Oilers field goal, Diamond Bar sophomore Brian Lamb returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. Austin Cox followed with a blocked punt that was picked up by Kyle Yada for another Brahmas touchdown, giving them a 21-3 lead with 9:05 left in the second quarter.

A minute later, after Diamond Bar recovered an Oilers fumble, the Brahmas scored again when Tyler Peterson connected with Cordell Broadus on a 30-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 28-3.

Brahmas special teams scored for the third time in the fourth quarter when Montebello punter Enrique Lozano stepped out of bounds attempting to save a bad snap. Diamond Bar scored quickly following the free kick, with Tyler Brown running it in from 6 yards out to cap a four-play 43-yard drive that took less than a minute and make it 37-10.

Diamond Bar’s defense, which struggled last season, allowing 30 points per game, was stout in shutting out the Oilers in the second half and limiting them to 281 yards in the game.

Peterson completed passes to eight different receivers, finishing 16 for 24 for 153 yards and a touchdown.  Broadus was his top target, catching six passes for 66 yards.

The Brahmas’ duo of Lamb and Tyler Brown combined for 122 rushing yards.

Lamb’s 6-yard touchdown run with 2:12 left in the fourth quarter finished a 10-play, 90-yard drive for Diamond Bar and provided it with a 44-10 lead.

Sophomore Isaac Mendibles led Montebello, rushing for 132 yards on 24 carries.