MidValleySports.Com

By Duane Barker

(Covina, CA) The Northview Vikings played host to the Alta Loma Lions in a Valle Vista matchup that could determine the Valley Vista League title and dropped the closely battled contest 21-20 Friday night at Covina Valley District Field.

The one point differential came by way of a missed extra point attempt from placekicker Daniel Garcia.

While Garcia did have a miscue, he wasn’t alone as the Vikings were flagged no less than four times for offsides, the most damaging coming on a fourth and four and their own 22. A hold there would have meant the Vikings getting the ball back with more than enough time to attempt a game winning drive.

Alta Loma won the toss and deferred to the second half giving the ball right away to the Northview offense. The Vikings were unable to gain any traction and were forced to punt the ball away.

The Lions received the ball on their own 33 and proceeded to march 67 yards on 11-plays with Maximus Fierro calling his own number from two yards away. Lucan Holguin added the extra point for the 7-0 lead.

The Vikings answered the score needing only two plays. Jaishon Bledsoe took the end around and sliced and diced his way 51-yards for the score. Garcia’s extra point was blocked and left Northview trailing 7-6

Isaiah Lucero set the Vikings up for their next score when he picked off a Fierro pass and returned it 35-yards to the Alta Loma 45.

Northview only needed six plays to cover the 45-yards and got a big play from Dominic Munoz who cut through the Lion defense and outraced them 28-yards to paydirt. The Vikings went for two and were successful on a 3-yard run by Bledsoe with 7:20 left in the second quarter.

With just over two minutes left to play in the first half the Lions knotted the game at 14 completing a 5 play 75-yard drive capped by Fierro’s second score of the night.

The score remained tied until just under two minutes left in the third when Alta Loma used a little razzle dazzle to get on the board again.

The Lions appeared to attempt and end around but instead of running the ball, receiver Bryant Avila pulled up and fired the ball deep down the left side in the direction of Owen Fiorenza. Fiorenza hauled in the pass and went 74-yards for the score. With Holguin’s extra point, the Lions held the lead 21-14.

After a failed fourth and five at the Northview 34, the Lions turned the ball over on downs and the Vikings needed only one play to get back in the endzone.

Robert Lucero fired the ball out quickly to brother Isaiah on the flanker screen. Isaiah made one Lion defender miss and that was all he needed as no one was going to catch him. Garcia came on to attempt the extra point but it sailed wide left.

The two teams battled back and for the rest of the way but the Vikings were turned away as Robert Lucero fumbled at his own 27 while trying to extend a play. 

Alta Loma went to the ground to grind up yardage and the clock and the Viking defense was stout, not giving up much yardage but then disaster struck. 

On fourth and five for the Lions, Fierro went to the hard count and drew the Viking defense offside for the fourth and most damaging penalty.

Northview did hold Alta Loma out of the endzone and off the scoreboard but were unable to mount a game winning drive.

Both teams will finish up the regular season next Thursday night, both teams with hope of capturing a piece of the Valle Vista crown with wins. Northview will be at West Covina who beat Alta Loma earlier this year and Alto Loma will finish on the road at San Dimas.