Fountain Valley Makes Big Plays, Wins

Fountain Valley running back Jeremy Nicholson predicted the outcome before the game.

“This is CIF. The stars are going to shine tonight,” Nicholson said. “Whoever makes the most big plays is going to win.”

Fountain Valley made more big plays and defeated Pasadena Muir, 34-28, Friday night in Division II playoffs at Pasadena City College. The Barons play El Dorado next week.

The Barons (9-2) scored first on a 38-yard pass from Scott Bertoni to a wide open Michael Rumford with 5 minutes 47 seconds remaining the first quarter.

In the beginning of the second quarter, Nicholson took over and lead the Barons with an 82-yard run from the Mustangs’ 11-yard line. That set up Chuck Harcar’s three-yard touchdown run with 9:28 left in the half.

Nicholson left the game at halftime because of a sprained ankle, after rushing for 156 yards in eight carries.

The Mustangs’ (8-3) only touchdown in the first half came late in the second quarter, on an eight-yard run by Kenny Haslip.

With 1:28 remaining in the half, the Barons took a 21-7 lead on Brandon Leimbach’s 11-yard catch from Bertoni. Bertoni completed eight of 14 with one interception for 151 yards.

With 44 seconds remaining in the half, the Barons got the ball back and Jeremy Meltebarger kicked a 26-yard field goal to give Fountain Valley a 24-7 halftime lead.