Sylmar Has Its Streak Blown Away by Kennedy

Kennedy High was like a cop standing in the road, hand outstretched, stopping traffic.

Sylmar, rolling along for 10 years without a loss in league play, was forced to a halt.

Streak limit: 69.

It took superior defense, a few breaks and a strong crosswind, but the Golden Cougars defeated the Spartans, 21-20, in a Valley Mission League game on Friday at Kennedy, ending Sylmar’s state record league winning streak.

Sylmar set the record of 69 last week in a victory over Van Nuys.

While shaking hands after the game, offensive coordinator Fred Grimes of Kennedy said to Coach Jeff Engilman of Sylmar, “Nobody can take away what you and your program accomplished.”

Engilman was left to lift the spirits of his players, who were devastated to see the end of a streak that began when they were all of 6 or 7.

“You have nothing to hang your heads about,” Engilman told them. “Next week, we start a new streak.”

Sylmar’s last gasp was a missed 36-yard field goal attempt with 1:16 to play by David Contreras. The kick, from the left hashmark and against the wind, was on line, but fell about two yards short of the crossbar.

“The wind was too much, it brought my ball back,” said Contreras, who also plays running back and safety.

The All-City Section senior also missed an extra point after his six-yard run pulled Sylmar (5-3, 2-1 in league play) to within 21-20 with 2:12 to play in the third quarter.

Remarkably, Kennedy (5-3, 2-1) won without scoring in the second half.

Linebackers Brandon Robinson, Robert Avina and Hector Arrieta spearheaded a defense that held Contreras to 77 yards rushing.

In the first half, the wind didn’t appear to bother quarterback Ruben Zaragoza of Kennedy, the City’s leading passer with 2,021 yards. The Golden Cougars’ receivers spread the field like marmalade on toast and Zaragoza completed 12 of his first 15 passes.

Zaragoza connected with Sanders Trent on a 10-yard pass for a 7-0 lead with three minutes left in the first quarter, capping a 13-play, 56-yard drive.

Quarterback John Valdez finished Sylmar’s 68-yard scoring march with a one-yard run on the second play of the second quarter to tie the score, but James Norris returned the ensuing kickoff 78 yards for a touchdown.

Kennedy gave a glimpse of its ferocious defense to come by sacking Valdez and forcing a punt after three plays. Zaragoza orchestrated a 53-yard drive for a 21-7 lead. Sylmar scored with 1:33 left in the half on a 21-yard reception by Clifford Johnson.

Mark Miles, a 215-pound running back, bulled over from two yards for the touchdown. Miles, making only his second start, had 84 yards in 18 carries.

Zaragoza finished 18 of 28 for 136 yards.