By Tim Peterson
(San Dimas) – Northview allowed several big plays but made more big stops in a 21-7 win over San Dimas Friday Night in Valle Vista League action.
Four times the Saints marched down into the red zone and four times they came away empty against the Vikings defense.
San Dimas did score on its second possession of the game to take an early lead. But that was all the Viking D allowed as they shut down the Saints the rest of the way. Northview’s offense did the rest in the two touchdown victory.
DJ Williams capped a 57-yard drive with a four-yard run with 2:33 left in the first quarter for a 7-0 San Dimas lead.
San Dimas was stopped on fourth down at the Northview 22 on its first drive. Teyondre Coleman hit Williams on a 48-yard pass play to get the Saints in the red zone but it was all for not.
The Viking offense went to work in the second quarter. James Arellanes hit Mike Cervantes on a 22-yard touchdown pass to finish an 80-yard drive to tie it at 7 with 6:36 left in the second quarter.
Four minutes later Northview took the lead for good. Arellanes again took to the air as he connected with Steven Carlin on a 34-yard touchdown strike to cap a short 45-yard drive.
The Vikes took the 14-7 lead into the half.
Northview scored one more in the third quarter and that was more than enough. The Vikes first possession of the third quarter ended in an interception by Brian Freeland. But Northview got the ball right back when Coleman was hit and coughed it up and the Vikes fell on it at the Saint 24. Three plays later Arellanes tossed his third touchdown pass of the night – a 22 yard dart to Eric Saiz to make it 21-7.
There was still 1:58 left in the third quarter with the entire fourth quarter to follow but that TD pass proved to be the dagger.
The Saints went punt, fumble and then stymied at the Viking 18-yard line on their last three possessions. San Dimas had some numbers though the air. Decker Degraaf had four catches for 111 yards and Williams hauled in three passes for 65 yards. Coleman threw for 176 yards passing but the Saints only managed one touchdown.
Arellanes completed 11 of 18 for 151 yards and three touchdowns with one pick. Saiz caught three passes for 45 yards and a score. Cheo Medina had 49 hard earned yards on 17 carries.
The Viking defense forced two turnovers and made the stops when it needed to.
“You can’t say they don’t play defense at Northview,” said Northview head coach Marcel Perez.
With the win Northview took control of the Valle Vista improving to 2-0 in league. The Vikings are 4-5 overall. San Dimas dropped to 1-1 and 6-3.
Thank god Tim wrote about someone other than Arroyo this year. Great article for this game!