By Vincent PAGE

For the fourth consecutive season, the Crescenta Valley High School varsity football team will be making its way to the CIF playoffs. They finished the regular season with an 8-2 record, good enough for third in the Pacific League standings.

The season ended on a sour note for the Falcons as they lost to the Arcadia Apaches for the first time in five years. The game ended with a 22-16 final score after the Apache offense put together a miraculous 82-yard touchdown drive. Arcadia quarterback Max Davila, who was largely contained through the night, showed why he’s so special as he led the Apaches right down the field for the win.

While this game did eliminate the Falcons from a Pacific League championship (which they would have shared with Burbank had the Bulldogs lost to Burroughs High School last Friday), they have their eyes on a CIF ring. The Falcons will face Mira Costa High School in the opening round of the CIF playoffs tomorrow, Friday, at Moyse Field.

Mira Costa had a record of 4-6 on the season, but had a 3-2 record during Bay League play, good enough for a playoff spot. They are led by do-it-all senior Cody Kallenbach, who plays linebacker and wide receiver for the Mustangs. He is the key to their offense and leader of their defense, and the Falcons will have a hard time containing him come Friday night.

The Falcons’ regular season did not end how they wanted it. Third place in the Pacific League was not what any of the players or coaches wanted, but they now once again control how their postseason ends. It could be Friday night at Moyse Field, or three weeks later with a CIF championship coming back to Crescenta Valley.

Either way, it all starts this Friday at 7 p.m. at Moyse Field, Glendale High School, 1440 E. Broadway in Glendale.

  Vincent PAGE