Football: La Cañada Slips By Glendale

The La Canada Spartans were looking to bounce back from a tough 34-14 loss last week to Alhambra when they took the field against Glendale, and for most of the game, it looked like they would get it easily.

The Spartans shut down Glendale’s offense, holding them to 6 points, until a late spurt made the Spartans sweat. They were able to hold on, securing the 16-14 victory, their first of the season.

“I thought our defense played really well tonight. They have a great athlete in #10( Junior WR Michael Davis) and we knew we would have to focus on him,” said head coach Dan Yoder. “I thought for the most part we contained him, and that helped us to victory.”

The Spartans got off to a great start, as they were able to force a turnover on Glendale’s first possession. Senior Kevin Paynter picked off a pass on their 10 yard line, and the Spartans took the ball and drove it 90 yards on the ensuing drive to open it up the game with a touchdown.

“Matt(Jones) is slowly getting more comfortable in the starting spot at quarterback. I thought he played a great game tonight. He always practices well, but it’s another thing to come out against a live opponent ant play well,” said Yoder.

The point after was blocked, giving the Spartans a 6-0 lead early in the first. On Glendale’s next possession, La Canada forced another turnover, and the Spartans were looking to break the game open. However, they missed a 29 yard field goal, and Glendale got the ball back.

After a few penalties kept the drive alive for Glendale, they were able to punch it in on a one yard run. However, they too failed to convert the P.A.T, and the game was locked up at 6-6.  Both offenses fizzled out after that, and the scored remained the same at halftime.

After both teams traded three and outs, the Spartans ran the ball down Glendale’s throats, pushing them into the redzone. However, the Spartans failed again to punch it in, and had to settle yet again for a field goal. This one went through, and La Canada took a 9-6 lead. The Spartans running game would prove to be the difference in the game.

“Our theme for the year is running the ball. If you can’t run the ball you can’t win in college football. Plain and simple,” said Yoder. “I thought we had a great combination of runners out there who were really effective.”

The Glendale offense fell flat for most of the second half, hardly able to muster up even a first down. Early in the fourth, La Canada went on a clock draining drive that included 14 straight running plays. Glendale had no answer, and senior Kyle Herron punched it in, giving La Canada a 16-6 lead.

“Our offense line played poorly last week. They took that personally, and wanted to go out and show how good they were. They did that tonight that’s why we were able to run so effectively.”

After continually missing on deep throws throughout the game, Glendale was finally able to come up with a 40 completion to Michael Davis that got a drive going late in the fourth. The Nitros converted on two fourth downs, and were able to score a second touchdown with 1:40 left in the game. Glendale went for two and converted, and suddenly, it was a two point game, 16-14.

The Spartans recovered the onside kick, but were unable to get a first down, making them punt with 30 seconds left. They barely got off the punt, and Glendale would need a miracle to win the game. On the first play, Glendale went deep, and junior Grant Owen picked it off, giving La Canada their third takeaway of the game. After one kneel down, the win was sealed up, 16-14.

“This is a great win for us and one we needed to have. Success breeds success, and especially for a young team like us, it’s going to be a huge stepping stone. Now we just need to work on our consistency going into next week,” said Yoder of his teams play.

The Spartans will take their 1-1 record home for the first time this season next week, where they will welcome Crescenta Valley. That game is scheduled for next Friday at La Canada, with kickoff set for 7 pm.