Falcons Run Out of Room for Errors

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Falcons players walk onto the field to offer congratulations to Saugus players after the game.
Photos by Brandon HENSLEY
Falcons players walk onto the field to offer congratulations to Saugus players after the game.

By Brandon HENSLEY

 

An uncharacteristic performance from both the offense and the defense of the Crescenta Valley High football team led to an early playoff exit Friday night.

The Saugus Centurions came into Moyse Stadium and ended the Falcons’ season with 38-29 victory in the first round of the CIF Division VI playoffs.

CV took a 15-14 lead at halftime, but turnovers led to Saugus building a 32-15 lead as the second half went on. The Falcons were never able to find their footing.

While it was another impressive season for CV — a 9-1 record and its second Pacific League championship in three years — this one had to hurt because of the miscues. Quarterback Cole Doyle threw three interceptions, including a costly one at midfield, picked off by Tahjeem Johnson, late in the fourth quarter when the Falcons trailed 32-29. Saugus took the ball and scored with 1:31 remaining, essentially sealing the win.

The Falcons also fumbled a kickoff return in the second half, which Saugus also recovered and turned into a touchdown on its next drive.

In the playoffs, teams can’t make many mistakes, and the amount CV made Friday night proved too much for a team normally careful with the football. A versatile rushing attack and a stout defense propelled CV to a memorable season, but one game can undo everything. Omri Edwards had 11 carries for 91 yards, but no other rusher had more than 23 yards. Doyle was also pressured and hurried all game.

Instead, the Centurions were the ones who found large holes in the ground game, including an 80-yard run up the middle untouched to open up the scoring in the second half.

Key seniors who are departing including safety Tyler Hill, linemen Nobel Leduc and Micheal Alvarez, linebacker Chick Weinmann, tight end Max Meyer, receiver Will Rees and and running back/receiver Brandon Beardt.

Crescenta Valley won the CIF championship two years ago with a 14-0 record. They lost in the first round last season to Cathedral High School.

Since the beginning of the 2014 season, the Falcons have compiled a 30-6 record, including the postseason.

Cole Doyle, who was pressured all night, runs out of bounds after a big gain. CV was penalized on the play, negating Doyle's efforts.
Cole Doyle, who was pressured all night, runs out of bounds after a big gain. CV was penalized on the play, negating Doyle’s efforts.

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