RESEDA – The Cleveland High football team never led Thursday in its West Valley League game against visiting Chatsworth before it scored the winning touchdown on the game’s final play.
Sophomore quarterback Domenik Fuentes tossed a 17-yard touchdown pass to junior Jeremiah Perez to give the Cavaliers a walk-off victory, 20-14, in overtime.
“This week was all about overcoming adversity,” said Cleveland coach Mario Guzman. “My starting left tackle was out, he’s sick. One of my starting slots was out. We had a short week and it’s been tough, but these kids overcome adversity like no other team I’ve been a part of before.”
It was the second straight overtime win for Cleveland (4-3, 2-0 West Valley), which downed Granada Hills last week.
Fuentes shined in this one. Before throwing the game-winning score, he ran for Cleveland’s first two touchdowns. He also had several key tackles from his safety position, including one in overtime that helped set up the win.
“I was only able to keep him on one side of the ball for so long,” said Guzman. “He’s young, only a 10th-grader, but he’s one of our best players. He brings it and really has a nose for the ball.”
Cleveland sophomore quarterback Domenik Fuentes rushed for a pair of touchdowns in the second half and threw the winning TD pass in overtime to beat Chatsworth 20-14 on Thursday, Oct. 10. (Photo by John Botelho)
Chatsworth (3-4, 0-2 West Valley) broke the scoreless tie early in the second quarter. The Chancellors were able to cash in after taking advantage of a short field they created for themselves when they stopped the Cavaliers short of a first down on a fake punt.
After taking over at the Cleveland 12-yard line, sophomore Devin Del toro capped a short drive with a 4-yard rushing touchdown with 9:08 left in the second quarter.
The Chancellors took their 7-0 lead into halftime.
Cleveland’s Matthew Mondragon had four sacks plus an additional two tackles for loss to lead the way on defense for the Cavaliers.
“We’re able to move him around,” said Guzman. “We can play him at D-end. We can play him at D-tackle. We’ve experimented with him at linebacker. He’s my go-to-guy on the defensive line. The kid is a dog.”
Isaac Delgado connected with Edmund Janoyan on a game-tying 2-point conversion in the fourth quarter after one of Fuentes’ rushing scores.
Connor Eagan threw a 15-yard touchdown to Alex Hernandez for the Chancellors.
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