San Fernando Runs Into a Real Tiger in 14-13 Loss

El Camino Real High was supposed to be just another turkey for the San Fernando wishbone offense Friday night.

The Tigers’ speed and vaunted rushing attack were supposed to turn the El Camino Real defense into chopped giblets.

But the Conquistadores (3-1, 2-0 in Northwest Valley Conference play) cracked the San Fernando wishbone and tossed it back to the Tigers in pieces, taking a 14-13 Northwest Valley Conference victory at Canoga Park High.

El Camino Real Co-Coach Mike Maio, caught making the sign of the cross several times late in the game, eventually felt he’d been blessed. “I do whatever it takes,” Maio said. “We just tried to keep the ball away from their speed, and it worked out.”

The Conquistadores held San Fernando to 64 rushing yards in the first half but gave up 149 in the second half. They were aided, however, by four Tiger turnovers, including three fumbles.

The difference in the game was a missed extra point by the Tigers (3-2, 1-1) after their second touchdown early in the third period. William Taylor scored on a 61-yard run, but the snap to holder David Rojas on the extra-point attempt was low and Rojas’ ensuing pass was intercepted by Troy Snider.

San Fernando led, 13-7, but the El Camino Real defense asserted itself later in the period to set up the game-winning score. The Conquistadores’ Derrick McCullough broke through the line and sacked quarterback Cruz Trevino, who fumbled. McCullough picked up the loose ball and rambled 67 yards to the San Fernando 11 before he was caught from behind by LaKarlos Townsend. Two plays and an offsides penalty later, Ryan Marine scored from the 16 to tie the score. Joe Lafirenza’s kick put El Camino Real ahead, 14-13, with 4 minutes 30 seconds left in the third period.

San Fernando’s Jose Servin missed a 49-yard field goal later in the period, and El Camino Real’s ball-control offense ate up time in the fourth quarter to assure the Conquistadores of victory.

El Camino Real rang up the more impressive numbers in the first half, outgaining San Fernando, 119 yards to 102.

San Fernando scored first but had to go to the air to do it. On fourth down from his 34, Townsend took a handoff from Trevino on a reverse, then flipped the ball to wide receiver Dwight McDuff coming from the opposite direction. McDuff lofted a touchdown pass to a wide-open Rojas, who went the final 12 yards untouched.

El Camino Real countered late in the first half, marching 65 yards to the San Fernando one. On fourth and goal from the one, Ryan Marine scored.