By Vincent PAGE

The Crescenta Valley High School varsity football team pulled out a stunning 59-20 victory over the La Cañada Spartans on Friday at a game that has special meaning for the Falcons.

In 2010, the CV Falcons lost lifelong coach Gordy Wornack during the week preparing for La Cañada. Ever since, the week has been dedicated to Wornack and the mark he left on coaches and players.

Friday’s win is the 11th against La Cañada and was the Falcons’ final preseason game before starting Pacific League action. At 3-0, it looks like CVHS will once again be entering as one of the favorites for a League title.

Against the Spartans, the Falcons strayed away from the run-heavy approach they used in the first two weeks and instead opted for an aerial attack. After running back Joe Suh carried the ball a total of 49 times during the first two games, he only toted the ball three times against La Cañada. He did have two catches as well, but it was a generally light workload for Suh.

The Falcons instead opted to demonstrate they can win by throwing as well. After losing top wideout James Baek to a broken thumb, it was unclear if the Falcons had a solid receiver. However, that issue was made clear in Tyler Lobianco. Lobianco caught four passes for 64 yards and a touchdown. Senior tight end Austin Novak was also a reliable option with three catches for 30 yards and a score.

Cole Doyle finished the night with what was the best game of his career thus far. He went 13-17 for 151 yards and four touchdowns – to four different wide receivers.

The Falcons’ defense, while having an overall solid night, continued their trend of allowing big play touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Tobias Humphrey had six grabs for 168 yards and three touchdowns. Two of the three were long plays, with one going for 40 and the other for 90 yards.

The Falcons kick off Pacific League play against Hoover High School on Friday night at 7 p.m. at Hoover. While Hoover will not pose much of a challenge, it will be a nice tune-up for CV’s upcoming matchup against Muir High School, which is arguably the Falcons’ biggest threat at a League title.

  Vincent PAGE