San Fernando’s 40-12 Win Earns Tigers League Title

San Fernando running back Lance Harper scored three touchdowns and quarterback Dwayne Calloway threw for three scores as the Tigers routed Granada Hills, 40-12, Friday night to win the Valley 4-A League title at San Fernando.

In handing Granada Hills its first loss of the season, San Fernando compiled 386 yards in total offense, while holding the Highlanders to 166.

Harper rushed for 132 yards and two scores in 20 carries. He also made a spectacular catch for a 37-yard touchdown with 2:46 left in the third quarter to give the Tigers a 28-6 lead.

San Fernando completed league play with a 4-0 record, 7-2 overall. The Highlanders finished at 3-1 and 7-1 overall.

In winning their fifth straight game and their sixth in the last seven outings, the Tigers wasted no time in taking the lead.

After the opening kickoff, San Fernando went 80 yards in 10 plays.

The Tigers’ wishbone attack proved to be too much for the Highlanders, who had to play most of the game without All-City wide receiver Greg Fowble, who is sidelined with a dislocated knuckle.

Harper’s seven-yard run with 7:42 left in the first quarter, coupled with Alfonso Ontiveros’ extra point, made it 7-0 San Fernando.

Granada Hills came right back, as Bob Allen took the kickoff at his six and returned it to the Highlander 43.

Allen picked up three yards on a run, then went 42 more on a lob pass from Brent Spurlin.

Khalid Ali scored from one yard out three plays later. But Fowble missed the extra point, and San Fernando still led, 7-6.

San Fernando increased its lead to 14-6 on a 57-yard run by Clarence Bradley.

That run capped a 98-yard, eight-play drive that ended with 10:08 left in the half.

After the Tigers could not move on their first possession of the third quarter, Fowble fumbled a punt back to San Fernando at the Granada 18.

It proved to be the last action for Fowble, who joined Granada cornerback Mike Davis (strained Achilles’ tendon) on the sideline.

Soon thereafter, Harper scored from seven yards out to make it 20-6.

On the Tigers’ next possession, Calloway threw a pass from the Granada 37 that appeared to be beyond Harper’s reach.

But Harper tipped the ball with his right hand, hauled it in with his left and raced 15 yards for the score with 2:46 left in the third quarter.

Ali scored again from one yard out with 6:50 left in the game, but the Tigers came back with two more touchdowns.

First, Calloway, who completed seven of 12 passes for 137 yards, hit David Richards for a 47-yard score with 5:59 left.

Then, with 36 seconds left, Calloway hit Jimi Corona for a 31-yard score.