Sierra Canyon grinds out a victory over Los Angeles

A year after blowing a 21-point fourth-quarter lead and losing in a regional final to San Marino by a single point, Chatsworth Sierra Canyon took care of business on Saturday night to defeat Los Angeles, 21-6, and earn a spot in next Saturday’s CIF state championship Division 2-A bowl game at Sacramento State.

For three quarters, it was an absolute grind, with neither team able to gain any rhythm or advantage. The Trailblazers (15-0) were able to hold a 7-6 lead on the strength of a 12-yard first-quarter touchdown run by Leo Gomez.

Los Angeles got a one-yard touchdown plunge from Chris Dormer in the second quarter but failed to convert while going for a two-point conversion.

Sierra Canyon finally got some breathing room. Bobby Cole scored on a three-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter.

Then J.J. Hernandez came up with Sierra Canyon’s fourth interception of the night and soon followed with a 37-yard touchdown catch from Johnny Hawkins for a 21-6 lead.

The Romans had to be pleased with the way their defense was able to contain Cole, who was limited to 31 yards in the first half. Tyler Cotton was having a big game for Los Angeles on the defensive line.

Sierra Canyon received strong play from its secondary. Sophomore Corey Jones had two of his team’s four interceptions. Freshman punter J.D. Hernandez was also impressive for the Trailblazers, keeping Los Angeles pinned near its end zone.

Sierra Canyon came in banged up and bruised. Cole has been hurting with ankle pain and standout tackle Kanan Ray was limping on the field from a dislocated knee cap suffered last week. But nothing was going to prevent them from making sure Sierra Canyon finally got its trip to Sacramento after last season’s debacle that saw San Marino emerge with a 36-35 victory.

Sierra Canyon will play San Mateo Serra at noon on Saturday.

Los Angeles (11-4) finished with another strong season under Coach Eric Scott, winning the City Section Division II championship and showing that it’s a program on the rise.

The Romans’ line play has been a focus of Scott, with his belief that it’s the key to his team competing against the best. And next season, Los Angeles should move up to City Section Division I.

Sierra Canyon could get a boost next week from the return of injured quarterback Niko Harris, who hasn’t played since suffering a knee injury three games into the season but hopes to be cleared.

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com

Follow Eric Sondheimer on Twitter @latsondheimer