HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS : SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION VIII CHAMPIONSHIP : Horton Carries Temescal Canyon

Temescal Canyon won the CIF Division VIII title Friday night, 34-21, over La Mirada, but not before a final heroic act on a night of such acts by Ben Horton.

The 6,383 fans at The Diamond had watched the wide receiver/defensive back do everything for the Titans, but held their breath one last time with the score 28-21 and La Mirada in possession with 2:08 to play.

Horton then made a leaping interception of a Damon Cox pass at the Matadores’ 28-yard line and returned the ball to their 10. Two plays later, quarterback Terry Hess scored on a nine-yard run to secure the victory.

No one celebrated more than Horton, a senior. That final interception was his third of the game, the first coming early in the first half and stopping a La Mirada drive. The second came on the opening drive of the second half, and Horton returned the ball 47 yards for a 20-7 Titan lead.

Horton was also a force on offense. Temescal Canyon scored on the opening drive of the game on a one-yard Hess run, made possible by Horton’s 18-yard reception on third down at the Titan 41-yard line. Horton also caught a 27-yard touchdown pass.