Valencia Edges Villa Park to End Streak

Valencia broke its three-game losing streak to Villa Park with a 16-14 victory over the Spartans in the season-opener Thursday night at Valencia High.

Valencia trailed at halftime, 7-3, but took the lead for good on a three-yard touchdown on a quarterback draw by Eric Young with 4 minutes 3 seconds left in the third quarter. The touchdown came after Villa Park was penalized for having 12 men on the field, resulting in a first down inside the Spartans’ five-yard line.

After the Tigers stopped Villa Park quarterback Ryan Wann for a loss on fourth down to open the fourth quarter, Valencia drove 62 yards in 13 plays, taking nearly six minutes off the clock. Young completed the drive with a two-yard touchdown pass to Alex Martinez with 5:10 remaining in the game.

Wann led Villa Park to its only score in the first half after an interception by Roman Roacho at midfield. Converting three consecutive fourth downs on the drive, Wann scrambled and scored on an 18-yard run with 1:14 left in the first half.

Wann, who led the Spartans with 44 yards rushing in 11 carries and completed 11 of 19 passes for 114 yards, connected with Robby McConchie on a 34-yard touchdown pass with 1:18 left in the game. Valencia recovered the ensuing on-side kick to run out the clock.

The Tigers outgained Villa Park, 275-205. Brandon Blackley led the Tigers with 96 yards rushing in 11 carries.