Palmdale Saved by Johnson’s Pick, 27-20

Shane Johnson intercepted a pass at Palmdale High’s four-yard line with seven seconds to play to preserve the Falcons’ 27-20 victory over Diamond Bar on Friday night in a first-round Southern Section Division II playoff game at Palmdale.

Jason Anderson gained only 48 yards in 15 carries, but has 18-yard scoring run gave Palmdale (9-2) a 27-13 lead on the first play of the fourth quarter.

Palmdale’s Shaun Perez rushed for 165 yards in 12 carries, including an 83-yard scoring run in the first quarter.

Fullback Wes Greenwood led Diamond Bar (6-5) with 87 yards in 18 carries, including a pair of one-yard touchdown runs.

Jason Wright added 45 yards in 21 carries and five receptions for 38 yards.

Palmdale’s Anthony Valentino kicked field goals of 35 and 28 yards, and Billy Niemeyer returned an interception 25 yards.

Backup quarterback Jonathan Thompson threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Niemeyer with one minute left in the first half on Thompson’s only offensive play of the game.

Johnson set up the score with a 38-yard interception return.

Joe Spicer completed 11 of 31 for 151 yards and scored on a four-yard run for Diamond Bar, which finished third in the Sierra League.

The victory sets up a rematch between Palmdale and Hart next week.

Hart a nonleague game between the teams.