MidValleySports.Com

By Rich Whittington

(Montebello) – The Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary Cardinals improved to 2-1 Friday evening, defeating the visiting, and once undefeated, La Canada Spartans 14-9, in front of an ultra-supportive crowd at Greg Kabat Field.

The Cardinals played gritty, hard hitting, defense which slowed the normally high-scoring Spartan offense to only nine points. Making their presence known on the defensive side of the ball were linebacker Roberto Ceballos, who logged three sacks on the evening, as well as defensive back Joel Rubalcaba, who intercepted the pass which would turn out to seal the Cardinals’ victory.

The game started out much as you would have expected. Two good teams, both coming off of big wins, led to a scoreless first quarter, as the teams assessed each others strengths and weaknesses, looking for the opening that would put their first points on the board.

Cantwell scored the first points of the evening. With 3:16 remaining in the opening half, as quarterback Roy Vazquez connected with receiver Kehven Portillo for a 16-yard score. The PAT was added by Francisco Mesa, making the score 7-0 in favor of the Cardinals. La Canada also scored in the quarter, as Quest Swan converted a 31-yard field goal attempt with :39 remaining on the first-half clock. This made the score 7-3, Cantwell, as the first half came to a close.

Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary added their second TD of the evening late in the third quarter, when Vazquez called his own number and scored on a 1-yard blast. Another successful Meza PAT made the score 14-3, as the third quarter ended.

La Canada added its second score of the evening in the fourth quarter, as quarterback Macky Plocher scored on a 3-yard run. The 2-Point PAT attempt was unsuccessful, making the score 14-9, Cardinals, with 7:16 remaining in regulation. The Spartans would have one final opportunity. Unfortunately for La Canada, Joel Rubalcaba’s previously mentioned interception ended the game, sealing the victory for the Cardinals.

Cantwell’s next game will be next Friday night when the Cardinals will host the San Gabriel Matadors. La Canada’s next outing is also next Friday which will see the Spartans host the Santa Paula Cardinals. Kickoff for both contests is scheduled for 7:00 PM.