CHATSWORTH — It’s hard to ask for anything more than 48 minutes of action.
Despite three turnovers and an early deficit, Chatsworth came from behind to edge Sylmar 21-20 to reach the L.A. City Division II title game.
Chatsworth’s Jesse Leon scored from 14 yards out with five seconds to play in the game and Chatsworth chose to go for the win and a 2-point conversion. Jahari Moore had the carry for the go-ahead score to win the game.
“We knew it was going to be ugly,” said Chatsworth assistant coach Shawn Johnson. “We knew they were a good football team but we felt we were better. We make our decisions as a group and that’s what it’s always been. It’s been nothing but everyone on here. Last play of the game people expect us to pass, but we do nothing but run hard. We knew that was the call we needed and I can’t say anything but Chatsworth pride.”
The Chancellors had it all under control at the beginning of the game. Chatsworth got on the board early with a mammoth 68-yard passing touchdown from Connor Eagan to Chatsworth’s leading receiver Angelo Romo.
Sylmar answered with a 40-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Jacob McDonald, and everything immediately changed for the Chancellors.
Romo fumbled on a kickoff return recovered by Jorge Rubio. The big hit knocked him out for most of the first half and the offense looked shaken.
The ground game became apparent, but Chatswork fumbled again before the end of the first half recovered by Armando Quintero. The two turnovers led to the 10-point Sylmar lead heading into halftime.
“I’m proud and honored to be a part of this team,” said Sylmar head coach Evander Williams. “Obviously I’m disappointed. We got to make tackles. It comes down to multiple things that didn’t go in our favor. I’m excited for the future and the young men they’ve become. Losses like this don’t determine their character and they’re going to bounce back from this. It’s a family and I’m going to miss being in that locker room.”
Chatsworth had a promising drive to start the second half, but Sylmar’s Chris Estrada ended it with an interception and Sylmar turned the possession into another field goal.
The field goal would be their final score of the game. Chatsworth went on to score 14 straight points to close out the game.
Chatsworth’s Devin Del Toro finished with 20 rushing yards including a touchdown in the second half and Moore, in addition to the winning conversion, had 48 rushing yards.
Quarterback Connor Eagan also got in on the fun with 53 rushing yards of his own along with 76 passing yards. Leon had 103 rushing yards including the touchdown in the final seconds.
“I’m feeling good. We get to move on,” said Leon. “In the beginning, it was a bit rocky, but we fixed it. I was talking to myself that I needed to get this. If we don’t get this then our season is done. Had to get it done and we got it done. Hopefully, we’ll be ready as a team for the finals.”
Chatsworth will play South Gate in the finals Nov. 30 at 2:30 p.m. at Birmingham High School.
