DIVISION III FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS : El Modena Is Defeated in Overtime

Justin Giovannettone rushed for a touchdown and a two--point conversion in sudden death overtime to give West Hills Chaminade a 25-24 victory over El Modena in a Southern Section Division III playoff game Saturday at El Modena.

Chaminade (9-2) will play Hart in the second round next week.

A 20-yard field goal by El Modena kicker and quarterback Jose Prado with 22 seconds left in regulation tied it, 17-17, to send the game into overtime.

El Modena scored on the first possession of the extra period. Prado connected with Jay Montano for an 11-yard touchdown, and Prado kicked the PAT. But Chaminade came right back and, after scoring, elected to go for two. Giovannettone plowed in behind his right tackle for the victory.

The Vanguards (9-2) lost despite 277 yards and three touchdowns passing by Prado.

After totaling only 15 yards in the first quarter and trailing, 10-0, in the second, El Modena rallied to take a 14-10 lead in the third on touchdown passes from Prado to Montano and Fred Romo.

But Giovannettone ran 36 yards on three consecutive carries, including a five-yard touchdown, to put the Eagles in front, 17-14, with 2:22 to play.

El Modena then drove 77 yards in nine plays to the three and kicked the field goal on fourth down.

Chaminade won despite three turnovers and 81 yards in penalties.