Desert-Mountain Conference : Leuzinger Takes Advantage of Harvard Turnovers, 39-17

Leuzinger High School of Lawndale, taking advantage of several Harvard mistakes, defeated the Saracens of North Hollywood Harvard, 39-17, to win the Southern Section’s Desert-Mountain Conference football championship Saturday night before a crowd of 2,500 at Valley College.

The Olympians (12-1-1) held only a 7-3 lead at the half but quickly turned Harvard miscues into their first Southern Section football championship.

On the first play from scrimmage of the second half, Harvard’s Alex Huh fumbled at his 31-yard line and Leuzinger’s Jose Martinez recovered.

Sidney Blackwood then rambled up the middle for 22 yards. Two plays later, Blackwood scored from five yards out.

Julian Catano’s extra point made it 14-3 Leuzinger with 10:08 left in the third quarter.

The score remained at 14-3 until 58 seconds into the fourth quarter.

Harvard quarterback Cory Thabit was intercepted by Mike Reddington, who returned the ball 13 yards to the Saracens’ 29.

On the next play, Ron Phyfer scored on a dash up the middle. The extra point made it 21-3.

After Catano kicked a 27-yard field goal with 5:25 left in the game to give the Olympians a 24-3 lead, Harvard (8-6) really fell apart.

On the kickoff after Catano’s field goal, Harvard’s Merritt Robinson fumbled. Leuzinger’s Carlton Erwin scooped up the ball at the 27 and raced for another Olympian touchdown.

Sean Smith’s run for two points gave Leuzinger a 32-3 lead.

Robinson did atone somewhat for his fumble, catching a seven-yard scoring pass from Thabit with 3:37 left.

But the ensuing onsides kick attempt by the Saracens resulted in a touchdown for Leuzinger.

The Olympians’ Al Parham picked the ball up after one bounce and ran 41 yards through a stunned Harvard team.