Sylmar’s Patton Gets Redemption

Given the opportunity to make up for a rookie mistake against Chatsworth High, Sylmar’s Dwight Patton made the most of it Friday night.

Patton, who fumbled on a punt return the first time he touched the ball, more than made up for his miscue as the game progressed.

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound junior saved his best for last by catching an 81-yard touchdown pass late in the game to lift the Spartans to a 20-14 victory over host Chatsworth.

With the score tied, 14-14, Patton found himself wide open behind a faked-out secondary, waiting patiently for a pass from John Giatanis, who had just received a lateral from quarterback Deon Price. “I was like, ‘John please get it to me,’ ” Patton said. “Just throw it up there.”

Giatanis did--about 40 yards in the air--to a waiting Patton at the Chatsworth 45. Once Patton received the ball, he turned and sprinted for the end zone.

Tuan Banh grabbed his ankles at the 20, but Patton kicked loose and ran for the winning score with 5 minutes 16 seconds remaining.

That wasn’t the only big play. The Spartans, who did not look sharp, scored on a 67-yard run by Tyrone Crenshaw and touchdown passes of 66 and 81 yards. Patton, who had three catches for 167 yards, had both touchdown receptions.

After Chatsworth failed to gain a first down in its first possession, Patton fumbled the ensuing punt on the Sylmar 11. Instead of falling on the ball, he tried to pick it up and run. Two plays later, Chatsworth quarterback David Muir (14 of 26 for 205 yards) hit Rozheh Nahapetian for a 12-yard touchdown.

After Chatsworth capitalized on Sylmar’s first miscue, it took the Spartans one play to get back into the game.

Price, a senior who has not played football in two years, threw a 66-yard touchdown pass to Patton.

Sylmar’s point-after kick was wide left, enabling Chatsworth to retain a one-point lead.

The Spartans failed to record a first down in their next two possessions, electing to fake a punt and pass both times. They failed on each attempt, giving the Chancellors possession on Sylmar’s 22 and 29, respectively.

Chatsworth, however, failed to capitalize on Sylmar’s misfortune. Chatsworth’s Doug Sidwell missed field-goal attempts of 40 and 32 yards.