Standley Stars for Verdugo Hills

Lacking breakaway speed and breathtaking moves, Sean Standley isn’t the prettiest of running backs, but he was more than effective for Verdugo Hills against Eagle Rock Friday afternoon.

Often boring up the middle of the field with both hands wrapped tightly around the ball, Standley gained 251 yards in 35 carries and scored three touchdowns as the Dons defeated host Eagle Rock, 28-26, in a matchup of formerly downtrodden Northern Conference teams.

Last season, Eagle Rock won a playoff game for the first time since 1957 in advancing to the City Section 3-A final and Verdugo Hills enjoyed its first playoff victory since 1980.

Standley culminated long drives with scoring runs of seven, 14 and 13 yards. The final touchdown, coming midway through the fourth quarter, best exemplified his running style.

Two yards past the line of scrimmage, Standley bowled over Eagle linebacker Jesse Berber, then dragged two defensive backs into the end zone to give the Dons a 28-19 lead.

“I’m not that fast,” said Standley. “But my line kept giving me holes and I kept just driving forward.”

More importantly, Standley helped keep the Dons defense off the field. Because of injuries and low turnout, Verdugo Hills (2-3, 1-1) suited up 27 players, most playing both ways.

“It’s a lot easier to not get tired when you’re on offense,” Verdugo Hills Coach Don Scott Jr. said. “The linemen only have to block four yards instead of chase 20.”

Eagle Rock (2-3, 0-2) had one last chance after Verdugo Hills turned the ball over on downs with two minutes left in Don territory.

Oliver Palomino connected with John Fontamillas on a 26-yard touchdown pass with 1:11 remaining to pull within 28-26.

Out of timeouts, the Eagles attempted an onside kick, but Standley fell on the ball and the Dons ran the clock out.

Palomino completed 10 of 21 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns, including a 75-yard scoring reception by Adalberto Celis in the third quarter.