Crescenta Valley defeats Downey, 21-14, to win Southeast Division title

Crescenta Valley, led by a staunch defensive effort, completed an undefeated season to claim its first title since 1973 on Friday night at Glendale’s Moyse Field, defeating Downey, 21-14, in the CIF Southern Section Southeast Division championship game.

Fourth-seeded Crescenta Valley (14-0) led, 14-0, in the second half before Downey (10-4) came back to tie it at 14.

But after the tying score, the Falcons took over on their own 47-yard line and senior quarterback Brian Gadsby threw the game-winning 22-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Lobianco with 11:55 to go in the fourth.

It was the Falcons’ defense that led the way, though, holding Downey’s vaunted running game to 121 yards, as Justin Huff was held to 74 yards in 17 carries and a four-yard score that tied the game in the third quarter and Daevon Vigilant was held 49 yards in 15 carries and a 10-yard score.

Victory came as Crescenta Valley defensive end Matt Erickson tackled Vigilant for a one-yard loss on fourth and two from the Downey 39, giving the Falcons the ball with 1:30 to play.

Gadsby completed 13 of 25 passes for 220 yards and the score.

Falcons receiver Connor Van Ginkel had five catches for 102 yards and running back Jonathan Jun had 100 yards in 26 carries and a 10-yard touchdown first-quarter score.

Receiver Chase Walker recovered an offensive fumble in the end zone to give the Falcons a 14-0 second-quarter lead.