Lien’s interception return gives Valencia a 21-14 halftime lead
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It looked as if Newbury Park would have the momentum going into halftime, but all it took was another stellar defensive play to put Valencia back in the lead.
After giving up a 28-yard TD pass that tied the score, 14-14, Valencia took a 21-14 lead into halftime after lineman Michael Lien scored on a spectacular, 67-yard interception return with one second left. Lien managed to deke a couple of tackle attempts, including one last-ditch try by Newbury Park QB Colby Cameron.
Lien’s TD marked a huge shift in the momentum and it’ll be a real test of character if Newbury Park can shake this off and win this Northern Division quarterfinal.
After an interception by LB Chance Flaaten, Newbury Park tied the score, 14-14, on a great 28-yard TD pass from Cameron to WR Phillip Muscarella. However, as you read, the celebrations on the Panthers’ sideline were short-lived.
Each team has two interceptions and whichever limits the mistakes will probably take this one.
(Here’s a photo of Valencia DB Joshua Gibbs, who made a couple big tackles behind the line of scrimmage on Newbury Park star RB Chris Brown.)
-- Austin Knoblauch
