Sylmar Makes Another Pass at 4-A Title

It might have been the finest pass of Chris Cervantes’ career at Sylmar High. A tight spiral thrown about 50 yards to a wide-open receiver on Sylmar’s final offensive play of 1995.

The on-target pass hit Rasheed Coleman in stride on a fly pattern at the 15 yard-line, landing perfectly in his hands. It was a sure touchdown pass that would have given Sylmar a five-point lead over Narbonne with little more than two minutes to play in a City Section 4-A quarterfinal game.

But Coleman bobbled the pass and dropped it. And with it went Sylmar’s shot at a third City 4-A championship in four years.

To be sure, Cervantes hasn’t forgotten that pass. Neither has Coach Jeff Engilman.

“It’s the one I try to forget,” Engilman said.

Cervantes, who has completed 79 of 145 passes for 1,209 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, and his teammates try to avenge that 22-21 loss to Narbonne tonight at 7 in a first-round City 4-A playoff game at Sylmar.

Narbonne’s double-wing offense is averaging 374 yards a game. Willie Wilkes has rushed for 692 yards and eight touchdowns, Austin Uku has 614 yards and 11 touchdowns, and Cameron Taylor has 591 yards and six touchdowns.

Damiean Johnson has completed 51 of 91 passes for 828 yards and six touchdowns for the Guachos (6-4).

Sylmar (8-2) lacks a premier running back for the first time in 11 years. Donald Carpenter has 863 yards and 17 touchdowns.