Final thoughts on Newbury Park-Valencia

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For many, the biggest question heading into Friday’s Northern Division quarterfinal matchup between Newbury Park and Valencia was how much are the Vikings going to win by? The same team that tied Hart a month ago and annihilated Canyon in the Foothill League finale was the favorite, and believe me, I got some flak for picking the Panthers in this one.

A guy on the Valencia sidelines pointed out I was one of only four ‘newspaper guys’ to pick Newbury Park (I’m not sure if that’s true, though) and, a couple weeks ago, I took some criticism for suggesting the Panthers would knock off Valencia in the quarterfinals.

Well, it wasn’t pretty until the final drive of the game, but Newbury Park’s mistake-absorbing defense pushed the Panthers to a 29-28 victory over the Vikings, proving they are more than just an upset-maker this postseason. LBs Chance Flaaten (he had two interceptions) and Cameron Roberson had great games and DBs Sean Bayer and David Gru shut down the normally potent Graham Wilbert passing game.

‘It was just a fantastic comeback,’ said Newbury Park Coach George Hurley, pictured above talking to the team after the game. ‘The kids believed in themselves and I can’t believe we gave away that much -- it must have been someone’s birthday over [on Valencia] -- and managed to still come out ahead. I’m too old for this.’

Newbury Park’s five turnovers are definitely a cause for concern, but if this team keeps things under control and puts up another strong defensive performance next week against second-seeded Hart, don’t be shocked if the Panthers are playing at the Home Depot Center in two weeks.

‘We were giving points away like they were candy and we still won,’ Hurley said. ‘I know we can do much better.’

-- Austin Knoblauch