SOUTHERN SECTION FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES : Eastern Conference : Los Altos Denied 7th Crown by Northview

Going into Saturday night’s Eastern Conference championship game, Hacienda Heights Los Altos High School had won six championship games in six attempts.

But the Conquerors learned first hand that there is a first time for everything.

Taking advantage of seven Los Altos turnovers, Northview came from behind to score a 21-18 victory before a crowd of about 6,000 at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut.

It was the first championship for Northview (12-1-1), which won its last 12 games. Los Altos (12-2) entered the game with an 11-game winning streak.

Los Altos took a 10-7 lead into the second half, but Northview assumed control in the third quarter.

The Vikings went ahead for good when quarterback Bill Gallis optioned to running back Mike Galindo, who ran 72 yards for a touchdown and a 14-10 lead.

After Northview recovered a Los Altos fumble on the ensuing kickoff, the Vikings scored three plays later on a four-yard run by Galindo for a 21-10 lead.

Los Altos made a last-ditch rally, scoring on a 39-yard touchdown pass from David Olson to wide receiver Blake Hayward with 57 seconds remaining. Olson passed to Royce Risser for a two-point conversion, but the rally fell short when Brady Berg’s onside kick was recovered by Northview.

Galindo, who had 1,200 yards going into the game, led the Vikings with 121 yards in 16 carries.

But it was the Vikings’ defense that may have played the biggest role in the victory. Northview held Los Altos to 88 yards rushing and 129 passing. Olson completed only 10 of 32 passes.