MidValleySports.Com

By Rich Whittington

(Covina) – The Glendora Tartans opened Sierra League play with a victory Thursday evening, defeating the host Northview Vikings 31-27 in front of a formidable crowd at Covina Valley District Field.

Glendora opened the scoring on its first possession of the contest. After defensive lineman Sebastian Mendoza recovered a Northview fumble on the first offensive play, the Tartans found the end zone on an 8-yard connection from quarterback Sebastian Lawrence to wideout Tyson Rush. The extra point was added by kicker Nick Norell, making the score 7-0 just over a minute into the game.

This score remained until the early second period when Lawrence and Rush connected for their second touchdown of the contest on a 55-yard catch and run. Norell kicked his second extra point making the score 14-0, with 11:04 remaining in the opening half.

Northview bounced back with a pair of scores in the second quarter. The first came when quarterback Robert Carrasco connected with wide receiver Jayden Brown for a 22-yard score. This tandem hooked up again on a 33-yard pass play as the first half clock expired. AJ Aguilar’s two kicks made the score 14-14 at the break.

There were more fireworks in the third quarter. Glendora took the lead when Rush displayed his abilities from the defensive side of ball, returning a Northview interception 45 yards for a “Pick Six”. Norell’s boot gave the Tartans a 21-14 advantage with 9:22 remaining in the third.

Northview answered with a touchdown of its own when Carrasco found receiver Ray Martinez for a 14-yard score. The extra point failed and the Vikings were within one at 21-20 with 7:16 remaining.

Norell booted a 34-yard field goal to increase Glendora’s to 24-20 as the third quarter came to an end.

The Vikings took the lead in the fourth quarter when running back Aaron Guillen scored on a 9-yard touchdown blast making the score 27-24 with 9:38 remaining in the contest.

This proved to be more than enough time for Glendora, who answered with an 8 play, 76-yard drive, that culminated with a two-yard run scoring by Lawrence.

Northview had a golden opportunity to win it with 2:06 left but Carrasco’s pass in the end zone fell incomplete. Glendora was then able to get a first down and run out the clock for the 31-27 victory.

Lawrence finished the evening completing 9 of 15 passing for 217 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for a score. Rush also had a big night for the Tartans catching five passes for 91 yards including two touchdown receptions. He also had the “Pick Six” that opened the scoring in the second half.

Glendora will look to improve to 2-0 in Sierra League play next Friday when the Tartans host the Ayala Bulldogs while Northview, still looking for its first league win, will host the Bonita Bearcats at Covina Valley District Field.