Palmdale Right on Schedule, Beats Camarillo

Some probably thought it was a little cocky for Palmdale High, 2-8 last season, to schedule five consecutive league champions on its nonleague schedule this year.

Or suicidal.

It was neither.

A 39-21 victory over defending Pacific View League champion Camarillo on Friday night gives the Falcons a 3-1-1 record entering Golden League play.

“That was one of our goals,” Coach Jeff Williams said. “We wanted to come out of the preseason with a positive record and on a roll. I think we’ve accomplished that.”

Once again, quarterback Terry Furlow was the lightning rod.

He rushed for 59 yards, including touchdown runs of 10, five and six yards, all on bootlegs, and added a two-point conversion run.

Furlow completed eight of 14 passes for 95 yards, including a 55-yard scoring pass play to Tyrone Culver.

The performance overshadowed another big game by Loren Cerny, the Scorpions’ bruising running back who rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown in 29 carries.

A shootout was predictable, with both teams ranking near the bottom in the region in defense.

But Palmdale, allowing 468 yards a game, limited Camarillo (2-3) to 93 yards in the second half and scored the final 21 points to overcome a 21-18 deficit.

“We can’t play defense,” said frustrated Coach Carl Thompson of Camarillo, whose team was out-gained, 330-324, and was penalized 11 times for 135 yards. “This is getting ridiculous.”

Culver turned in several big plays, including an interception, fumble recovery and a nifty move on a defensive back for the touchdown reception.

“We wanted to show people how tough we were and that they shouldn’t underestimate our defense,” said Culver, whose team led Hart, 9-7, last week before allowing the last 28 points.

The Falcons appeared headed for another defensive disaster, with Cerny chewing up huge chunks of yardage as Camarillo marched at will.

Mike Jasper completed six of his first seven passes, threw for a touchdown and ran for another and entered halftime with 76 yards rushing. Because of penalties and little protection, he struggled after intermission as the Falcons took over.

Jamil Smith of Palmdale rushed for 56 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Bobby Bynum added 66 yards and intercepted a pass.

“We have a lot of confidence now,” said Furlow, who has thrown for six touchdowns, run for seven touchdowns and six two-point conversion. “And we’re having fun.