Saugus Turns the Lights Off on Highland

It was a simple case of lost and found for Saugus High when play resumed Saturday against Highland in a Southern Section Division III quarterfinal playoff game.

Momentum lost, defense found.

The see-saw battle that was suspended by a power outage Friday night turned into a one-sided affair when play resumed as the Centurions used their defense to pull away from Highland in a 48-37 victory at College of the Canyons.

“A little more intensity out there [than Friday night],” Saugus Coach Ron Hilton said. “The kids came to play.”

Saugus (10-2), which advances to a semifinal for the first time in the school’s 25-year history, plays Foothill League rival Valencia next Saturday.

The Centurions defeated Valencia, 21-13, in the final game of the regular season.

Play resumed where it ended when a transformer blew on Friday night, with Saugus at Highland’s 40-yard line holding 35-34 lead and 1:57 left in the third quarter.

The Centurions, who scored 14 consecutive points to take its second lead less than three minutes before the lights went out, turned over the ball on their second play.

A crushing hit by Tyrone Brown of Highland cause quarterback David Parker to fumble. Greg Root recovered for the Bulldogs.

But Highland (8-4) couldn’t move and Jared DePaiva blocked Jose Duarte’s punt. Corey Pearson grabbed the loose ball in the air and ran 15 yards for his second fumble return for a touchdown in as many games. Saugus led, 41-34.

Highland responded with an eight-play drive but Saugus was able to hold, forcing the Bulldogs to settle for Duarte’s 44-yard field goal.

On its next possession, Saugus was facing third and 10 at its 35 when Parker’s pass was tipped by defensive back Jeremiah Freeman. But the pass was caught by receiver Nathan Steele at Highland’s 40 to keep the drive alive.

Six plays later, Parker threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Steele and Saugus led, 48-37, with 3:55 left.

Parker completed 27 of 42 passes for 326 yards and five touchdowns and ran two yards for another. Steele had 11 catches for 176 yards and two touchdowns.

Brett Draimin rushed for a season-high 167 yards in 19 carries.

Highland, which led 28-21 at the half, was led by Brown’s 146 yards rushing and two touchdowns.