Palmdale Earns Playoff Berth with Third-Quarter Burst, 29-7

Palmdale scored three third-quarter touchdowns to expand an 8-7 halftime lead into a 29-7 victory over Saugus in a Golden League game Friday. Palmdale earned a spot in the Division II playoffs.

The game was played without incident. A year ago, the game ended in the fourth quarter when Palmdale defensive back Darius Wilson punched an official.

Vashon LeCesne intercepted a pass by Jason Bobby and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown on the third play of the second half. Tervell Spears scored on Palmdale’s next possession on a 52-yard run up the middle. Defensive lineman Shane Barnard scooped up a fumble and raced 15 yards for the Falcons’ final score.

Palmdale (4-6, 3-2) opened the scoring when Rodney Williams returned a punt 55 yards in the second quarter. Williams, the team’s quarterback, completed nine of 15 for 113 yards.

Saugus (2-8, 1-4) was led by quarterback Rich Gutierrez, who completed six of 10 passes for 85 yards.