Valencia Makes Run at Saugus but Last Pass Fails, 24-20

Kenny Taylor’s pass fell and Saugus High’s fortunes soared.

Saugus clinched a Southern Section playoff berth by defeating Valencia, 24-20, Friday night in a Foothill League game at Canyon High, a victory that wasn’t safe until Taylor, Valencia’s quarterback, saw a desperation pass fall incomplete in the end zone as time expired.

Valencia got the ball on its 10-yard line with three minutes nine seconds to play and drove 68 yards to the Saugus 22 before Taylor’s fourth-down attempt fell incomplete.

Mark Pecaro led Saugus (5-4, 3-1 n the league) with 99 yards rushing in 17 carries, including the winning, one-yard run midway through the third quarter.

Donavan Calhoun played for Valencia (5-4, 1-3) despite a shoulder injury, but was held to 72 yards in 18 carries.