By Vincent PAGE

For the first time in Hudson Gossard’s career as head coach of the Crescenta Valley Falcons, his team went into a matchup as underdogs. The Falcons traveled to Redondo Union High School to face off against the Sea Hawks and came out victorious 21-7 after a gritty, hard fought game.

According to MaxPreps, Redondo Union came into the game ranked higher statewide and nationally. Playing at home, Redondo Union was the favorite for this matchup but Gossard and his team had other plans. After a quick touchdown by quarterback Chase Center put the Falcons up 6-0, the game was a defensive showcase.

Neither team could pull together and sustain drives, as it was obvious the Sea Hawks blitzing affected the Falcons’ offense in a major way. The first half ended with the score still 6-0 and, for the Falcons, adjustments had to be made.

They did that during halftime and came out of the locker room much more efficient. They began running the ball better as Center and running back Maximus Grant combined for 181 rushing yards. Late in the third quarter, one of those runs broke loose as Center took off for his second score of the day. A 28-yard touchdown put the Falcons up 14-0 after a successful two-point conversion and CV had control of the game.

However, the offense wasn’t done as it finished off its scoring with an 80-yard drive, its best of the night. The series was finished off with a 13-yard rushing touchdown from Grant, effectively sealing the game for the Falcons as only eight minutes remained.

While Redondo Union was able to rally for a late score after two big penalties from the Falcons, the defense was dominant. While it didn’t force any turnovers – something the team had done repeatedly in the first two games – it never allowed the Redondo offense to put together sustainable drives.

As a unit, the defense forced nine tackles for a loss, led by Sebastian Deleon with three. Deleon would finish the night with 16 total tackles in what would be his best performance during his dominant stretch to start the season.

The defense also put consistent pressure on Redondo Union quarterback Daniel Webb, sacking him six times during the game. The game plan put together by defensive coordinator Dennis Gossard was flawless, and his players executed to near perfection.

The Falcons showed a lot of grit in this game. When Center threw two early interceptions to start the game, something he related to unexpected pressures and blitzes from the Sea Hawks, the defense held up and his playmakers around him picked up the slack.

Now a perfect 3-0, the Falcons head to Pasadena to take on the Bulldogs who also are undefeated. They’ll begin their bid for another Pacific League title Friday at 7 p.m.

  Vincent PAGE