WOODLAND HILLS — In a nail-biter football game that went down to the final play, Canoga Park hung on to get its first win under head coach Randy Luna.
Led by Ryan Varillas’ 16-yard run for the go-ahead touchdown, the Hunters beat Reseda, 14-12, in a Valley Mission League game Thursday night.
Luna was ecstatic to see his earn its first win.
“It’s a blessing,” Luna said. “I came here for one reason, and that was to teach my players to be men on and off the field. “I also love and appreciate my coaches for their hard work. For me, it’s about changing lives and giving everything I have.”
Canoga Park improved to 1-6 overall and 1-2 in league. Reseda dropped to 1-5, 0-3.
It was a dream start for Canoga Park as Salvador Valdez gave it the early lead with a 15-yard touchdown run. After the extra point, the Hunters led 7-0.
Reseda, however, responded in the second quarter, as Michael Moreno connected with Jafet Contreras for a 19-yard touchdown pass. The 2-point conversion attempt failed, however, leading Canoga Park with a 7-6 lead.
The script flipped momentarily in the second half as Reseda, holding its homecoming game, took the lead.
Moreno connected again with Contreras for a 6-yard TD pass. Reseda failed again on a 2-point conversion but still led, 12-7.
To start the fourth quarter, Varillas gave Canoga Park the lead with a 16-yard touchdown run. With the extra point, Canoga Park had a 14-12 lead with 9:29 left in the game.
“First win after a 0-6 start, I feel fantastic,” Varillas said. “My guys went crazy tonight. I give all the glory to God. I want to give a shoutout to my line and blockers because if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have scored.”
Reseda was driving toward a potential go-ahead score, but Canoga Park’s defense stepped up and stopped Reseda on a fourth-down play.
With one minute left, Reseda had the ball again after Canoga Park was forced to punt.
On the final play, Moreno’s pass was incomplete and Canoga Park was able to celebrate its first win of the season.
Luna said it was amazing to finally get in the win column.
“We went through many trials and tribulations,” Luna said. “I think with the three games that we lost by close margins, I feel this is a testament of our capabilities, and I’m proud of these men.”
Luna has one goal in mind as the team heads into its four games of the regular seasoan.
“For me, it’s about finishing strong,” he said. “Still being in sync with one another. I show up as if we were 0-0 and we are going to get that win. I have seen a lot of positives since the Arleta game (to begin the season).”
Reseda head coach Reginald Tyson said he was disappointed,
“We gave them the game,” Tyson said. “It came down to who made the fewest mistakes or crucial mistakes, and we made a little bit more.”
Canoga Park is on the road next Friday when they face Van Nuys, while Reseda has a bye week and returns on Oct. 16 to also face Van Nuys. Both games are at 7 p.m.