HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ROUNDUP : Chula Vista’s Victory Over Hilltop Ends With Flags and Frustration

A holding call with six seconds remaining undid what would have been a winning 26-yard touchdown pass thrown by Hilltop’s Jorge Munoz at Chula Vista High. It also undid the composure of Munoz’s teammates.

Chula Vista (3-2, 2-0) was assured of a 27-23 victory Friday after Munoz’s next pass fell to the ground in the end zone--right next to the guy who thought he caught the winning pass, Bobby Lugo.

Two defenders fell on top of Lugo, but there was no pass interference call as all three players ran into each other going for the “Hail Mary.” Nevertheless, the Hilltop sideline looked for a makeup call, and when one did not come, the referees heard some angry voices.

Hilltop players, coaches and even a fan who came down from the bleachers before being chased away by a police officer, hurled insults at the two nearest officials.

It was an ugly ending to a drama-filled game.

- Hilltop’s Lugo returned the opening kickoff 69 yards to the Chula Vista 23. Five plays later on a fourth-and-inches play, Munoz sneaked his way over the goal line to make it 7-0.

- Chula Vista scored on the ensuing kickoff that went to LaMar Bailey at the 20. He ran right to the 30-yard line, then handed off to Johnny Robinson, who reversed his field and sprinted untouched into the end zone. After the kick failed, it was 7-6.

- Early in the second quarter, after Hilltop padded its lead with a field goal, Robinson put Chula Vista ahead with a 56-yard run. Score: 13-10.

- Not to be outdone by his teammate, Bailey made it 20-10 with a 92-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter. He broke four tackles before outracing Hilltop’s secondary.

Hilltop (3-2, 1-1) climbed back into contention because of two fumbles. The first, by quarterback John Jeffries, gave Hilltop possession on the CV 12. Five plays later, Jason Czajkowski scored from the one to pull Hilltop to within three points.

After the second fumble, Hilltop’s drive appeared to stall, but Munoz connected with Lugo on a fourth and nine from the 22 to make it 23-20 with six minutes left.

But Hilltop’s defense was again victimized by Chula Vista’s three-pronged rushing game. Mike Peterson was given the ball five times on the final drive and he came through with runs of nine, three, 13, 34 and the touchdown run of a yard.

Bailey finished with 147 yards on 20 carries.