Mack Packs Punch

VAN NUYS — Carlos Mack’s three touchdowns helped Van Nuys clinch a City Section playoff berth with a 31-22 victory over North Hollywood in a Valley Pac-8 game Friday night at Van Nuys High.

Mack opened the scoring for the Wolves (5-4, 4-2 in conference) with a four-yard off-tackle run three seconds into the second quarter. He then gave the Wolves a 14-0 lead after returning a David Harlow punt 55 yards four plays later.

Dante Clay had just 89 yards in 15 carries for North Hollywood (4-5, 3-3).

The Huskies were held to only 24 total yards until they reached into their bag of tricks when wide receiver Brian Heflin took an option reverse and found Harlow for a 79-yard touchdown pass with time expiring in the first half, cutting the Wolves’ lead to 17-8.

Mack scored his third touchdown with 1 minute 44 seconds remaining in the third quarter to give Van Nuys a 24-8 advantage. He finished with 56 yards in 15 carries.

The lead grew to 31-8 after Luis Vega and quarterback Robert Williamson connected on a 43-yard pass play to the Husky eight. Gerardo Garcia-Montes ran in from one yard out four plays later.

North Hollywood’s Erik Gutierrez blocked a Fernando Arias punt and Damian Romero scooped it up and ran eight yards for a touchdown.