Crescenta Valley Lets Title Chances Slip Away

A second consecutive Pacific League title was within Crescenta Valley High’s grasp, but the Falcons let it slip through their usually sure hands.

They committed two of their five turnovers in the final four minutes to abort comeback opportunities during a 15-13 loss to Arcadia.

The Apaches clinched their first outright league title since 1989.

Crescenta Valley, which could have claimed a share of the league title, instead will advance to the Southern Section Division III playoffs as the Pacific’s No. 3 entry.

“It’s very disappointing, especially how it ended,” Coach Alan Eberhart of Crescenta Valley said.

The Falcons (6-4, 3-2 in league play) had two opportunities to win after Quincy Williams scored on a one-yard dive over right tackle with 6:13 left to give the Apaches a 15-13 lead.

But Seth Santoro’s pass was intercepted at the Arcadia 25 on the ensuing drive and Wes Jones fumbled at the Apache 22 with 36 seconds left.

Santoro, who had not thrown an interception in 133 passes, threw two against the Apaches (8-2, 5-0). Santoro completed 13 of 27 for 177 yards. Steve Carballo scored on a 26-yard run in the second quarter to give Crescenta Valley a 13-9 lead at halftime.

Williams, who scored on a 65-yard run in the first quarter, finished with 150 yards in 21 carries.

Derrel Furutani rushed for 166 yards in 24 carries for the Falcons, including a 28-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. He finished the regular season with 1,267 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Arcadia’s Adam Espinoza kicked a 33-yard field goal in the second quarter.

Espinoza’s extra-point attempt following Williams’ decisive touchdown was blocked by Mike Baeza, and his 35-yard field-goal try with 2:03 left was blocked by Nathan Vasquez.

Arcadia forced turnovers after each block, however, to preserve its sixth consecutive victory.

A Crescenta Valley victory and a Muir victory today over Pasadena would have enabled Muir to advanced to the playoffs as the Pacific League’s No. 1 entry, thanks to a series of coin flips held Thursday.

Crescenta Valley would have gone as the second-place team and Arcadia would have finished third.