Opportunistic Defense Helps Keep Crescenta Valley Unbeaten

Crescenta Valley High’s offense once again has proved that a team does not need a lot of yardage to score a lot of points.

What is needed is the ball. And that’s where the Crescenta Valley defense comes in.

The Falcon defense gave the offense excellent field position throughout the game and unbeaten Crescenta Valley defeated Pasadena, 30-12, in a Pacific League opener Thursday night at Glendale High.

“Our defense and special teams all year have given the offense great field position,” said David Fielder, Crescenta Valley’s quarterback.

The Falcons (6-0) gained only 189 yards. But the defense and special teams recovered three fumbles.

“It’s just been our defense all together that’s helped us,” linebacker Victor Huezo said.

Crescenta Valley, whose defense is ranked second among regional Southern Section teams, allowed Pasadena only 105 yards.

The most crucial Pasadena fumble came on the second-half kickoff with Crescenta Valley holding a tenuous 13-12 lead. Pasadena (2-4) attempted a reverse on the return but the ball was dropped and recovered by Marty Lane inside the Bulldog one-yard line.

Paul Lopez scored his second touchdown of the game one play later. The extra point gave Crescenta Valley a 20-12 lead.

Late in the third quarter, the defense forced a fumble at the Bulldog 20 by Treyvone Towns, who led Pasadena with 49 yards in 15 carries.

Crescenta Valley capitalized by scoring on a 25-yard pass from receiver Brett Miller, taking the ball on a reverse, to Brendan Jones.

Fielder’s extra point gave the Falcons a 27-12 lead with 1 minute 13 seconds to play in the quarter.

Fielder completed five of 12 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown, which was a departure from the Falcons’ usual all-rushing approach. Erik LaCom and Lopez each rushed for 29 yards. “I’m glad the coach let me throw,” Fielder said. “It’s more of a total package now.”

Crescenta Valley fell behind, 12-7, but led at halftime by virtue of Pasadena’s first key fumble.

The Bulldogs mishandled a snap from center at their 16, and the Falcons scored four plays later on an eight-yard run by Lopez on a fourth-and-two situation with 1:19 to play in the half. Fielder missed the extra point.