PREP FOOTBALL ROUNDUP : Key Mistake Trips Up Fountain Valley

A blocked punt early in the fourth quarter cost Fountain Valley a victory in its season opener.

Los Angeles Loyola quarterback Scott Walter hit Matt Peterson with a seven-yard touchdown pass with 10:09 left as the Cubs rallied from an 11-point deficit to defeat Fountain Valley, 24-21, in front of 3,500 Saturday night at Glendale High.

Loyola’s Wesley Willard blocked Nathan Hanson’s punt and Ryan Capalbo recovered at the Fountain Valley nine-yard line with 11:37 remaining. Three plays later, the Cubs (1-0) scored the game-winner.

Fountain Valley (0-1) had taken its largest lead on a blocked punt late in the third quarter. Joey Vasquez blocked the kick and Levi Vagana recovered on the Loyola 23. Two plays later, quarterback Mitch Ryerson hit Vasquez to give the Barons a 21-10 lead with 8:55 in the quarter.

But Loyola, ranked No. 4 in Southern Section Division I, rallied. Quarterback Scott Walter’s five-yeard touchdown run with 3:15 left in the third cut the Barons’ lead to 21-17 before Loyola scored the game-winner.

Ryerson threw for three touchdowns, completing 13 of 30 attempts for 132 yards.