Cervantes’ Kick Lifts North Hollywood, 21-18

Heloyt Cervantes’ 27-yard field goal with 11 seconds to play gave North Hollywood High a 21-18 victory over previously undefeated Monroe in a Valley Pac-8 Conference opener Friday night at North Hollywood.

North Hollywood (1-3, 1-0 in conference play) trailed, 18-7, after three quarters but took advantage of four Monroe fumbles in the final quarter.

Quarterback Billydee Payne scored on a one-yard sneak with 3 minutes 28 seconds to play, and a two-point conversion run by Brian Heflin cut Monroe’s lead to 18-15.

A 41-yard run by Heflin set up a 21-yard field goal by Cervantes to tie the score.

Linebacker Carlos Diaz then sacked Diego Barba at the Monroe 15, causing a fumble that was recovered by Luke Haley.

Monroe, which had the top rushing attack in the region, was held to 120 yards on the ground. Vinny Walker gained 51 yards in 11 carries and scored on a 26-yard touchdown in the second quarter for the Vikings (3-1, 0-1).