San Fernando Tigers Make Epic Fourth Quarter Comeback

Tigers overcame a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter for a massive comeback victory

LOS ANGELES – The San Fernando Tigers battled back from a 14-0 halftime deficit to tie the game only to see the Sylmar Spartans quickly add on 10 points in the fourth quarter. Undaunted, Tigers quarterback Julian Sarzo immediately connected with Darrion Turner Jr for a 65-yard touchdown – the first of 29 unanswered points en route to a 43-24 win.

The San Fernando Valley Classic, hosted at the Los Angeles Coliseum did not disappoint. This storied rivalry was a battle from the beginning. The Tigers intercepted Spartans quarterback Tim Tanner Jr on the very first play from scrimmage, as Brandon Robinson stepped up to take the pass intended for Ricardo Azernitzky away. Starting with great field position, San Fernando worked their way to the 10-yard line. Andrew Newchurch was unable to gain traction running out of the wildcat formation on first and second down and a short pass from Sarzo to Turner Jr didn’t break free and Sylmar had forced a field goal attempt. The 30-yard kick missed short, giving the Spartans possession at their own 20-yard line.

A football player in a white uniform with blue accents runs towards the end zone during a game, while a player in a black uniform trails behind. Spectators and officials are visible in the background.

Sylmar’s second offensive drive was what they’ve shown all season. Tanner Jr used his arm and his legs to move the ball downfield, spreading the ball to three different receivers and breaking off a 19-yard rush to set up the opening score of the game. On 2nd and 10 from the 30-yard line Tanner Jr found Michael Paynter wide open at the goal line for a touchdown.

San Fernando looked to respond, but a bad snap led to a loss of 20 yards and the Spartans defense forced a punt shortly afterwards. Jamal Matthews-Mckinney cashed in for Sylmar on the ensuing drive, punching in a 2-yard touchdown run.

Two football players celebrating on the field after a play, with fans cheering in the background.

A botched kickoff gave the Tigers possession at midfield, and they nearly capitalized on the opportunity. Newchurch broke an amazing run where he hurdled over a Spartans defender, stayed inbounds and made his way into the end zone 33 yards later. Unfortunately, hurdling is a personal foul penalty in high school football and the touchdown did not stand. Daniel Flores ended the drive when he sacked Sarzo to force a turnover on downs. Sylmar was not able to get into field goal range before the half ended and the Spartans went into the halftime break with a 14-0 lead.

San Fernando came out in the second half on a mission and wasted no time going down the field on the opening possession. Sarzo connected with Robinson on a quick pass which was turned into a 34-yard gain. Sarzo then hit Turner Jr on an out route, and he turned that into a 43-yard touchdown to get the Tigers on the board at 14-7.

A player in a black football uniform with yellow accents is being tackled by two defenders in white uniforms during a game at a stadium filled with spectators.

The Tigers defense stood tall on the very next drive and forced a Sylmar punt. That punt only traveled 11 yards beyond the line of scrimmage and San Fernando once again had great field position. The Spartans defense forced a three-and-out, but before the Tigers could send on their punt team to kick the ball away Sylmar was assessed a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for taunting. On the very next play, Sarzo found Newcastle alone in a soft spot in the Spartans defense for a 22-yard touchdown and quickly, the game was tied at 14-apiece.

Two San Fernando Tigers football players celebrating on the field, wearing black jerseys and helmets, with a cheering crowd visible in the background.

Sylmar almost immediately answered back. Tanner Jr hit Andrew Pons for a beautiful 30-yard pass to get the Spartans back into scoring range. Reyleo Reyes capped the drive with a 2-yard rushing touchdown and Sylmar was back in front 21-14. The Spartans intercepted Sarzo on the very first play of the following drive and turned that into a field goal for a 24-10 lead midway through the fourth quarter.

A Sylmar Spartans kicker prepares to take a field goal attempt as the holder readies the football in a football game.

Two football players in white uniforms celebrating on the field, with a stadium background.

San Fernando wasn’t fazed. Sarzo and Turner Jr connected on a quick bubble screen pass and Turner Jr went 65 yards for a touchdown. The Tigers weren’t done there. On the ensuing drive, Christopher Mosqueda stripped the ball from Tanner Jr on a sack and Rickie Garcia scooped it up and ran it in for a 32-yard fumble return for a touchdown and San Fernando had their first lead at 28-24.

A football player wearing a black jersey with the number 5 is running on the field, evading an opponent in a white jersey. Spectators are in the background, cheering as action unfolds.

Newchurch snagged the Tigers second interception of the game while Sylmar attempted to stay aggressive and regain the lead. He capped off the next possession with a 26-yard touchdown rush from the wildcat formation. He intercepted Turner Jr again as the Spartans were trying to drive the field. Newchurch returned it 47 yards to the Sylmar 18-yard line and four plays later, on fourth and 8, Melvin Pineda broke through for a 16-yard touchdown. Newchurch added the two-point conversion on a rush and the Tigers held a 43-24 lead with time running short. They would hold the Spartans down as the clock ran out.