Sylmar Survives Big Scare, 27-24

Sylmar High overcame a 16-point deficit and scored 27 points in the second half to beat North Hollywood, 27-24, Friday night in a Valley Pac-8 Conference game.

The Spartans drove 99 yards in their next-to-last possession and scored on a 42-yard pass play from Chris Cervantes to Gerrod Taylor with 3 minutes 55 seconds remaining to take a 27-24 lead, their first of the game.

On the ensuing possession, the Huskies (3-4-1 overall, 3-2 in conference play) drove to Sylmar’s 30 and opted for a fake field goal on fourth and 10 with 29 seconds remaining. Holder Jesus Acosta lateraled to kicker David Harlow, who threw downfield for Dante Clay (69 yards in 21 carries).

But Taylor broke up the pass to keep Sylmar’s 22-game winning streak alive.

Sylmar (8-0, 5-0) trailed 16-0 at halftime, but came charging back. Durell Price, who rushed for 100 yards in nine carries, scored on runs of 45 and 39 yards on his first two carries of the second half to pull Spartans to within 24-14.

Cervantes hooked up with Taylor on a 26-yard pass play to get the Spartans within four.