Spartans rally to beat crosstown rivals Spartans rally to beat crosstown rivals (October 22, 2004)

By Scott Campbell

In a spirited game worthy of this rivalry, Mountain View staged a fourth-quarter comeback that proved just enough to defeat host Los Altos, 12-10, last Saturday.

After a scoreless first half, Los Altos running back John Armenta's 20-yard touchdown run and his punishing hits on Spartan ball carriers appeared to be more than enough to lead the Eagles to victory.

Already struggling to post first downs, Mountain View's hopes of a comeback seemed doomed once quarterback Jon Warmbrodt went down with an injury. (He was later able to re-enter the game.)

Thrust into the game facing a 10-0 deficit, Spartan backup quarterback Jason Griego came out throwing. Two deep strikes to wide receiver Sky Reeves, the second good for a 28-yard touchdown, closed the gap to 10-6.

"Score. All we wanted to do was score," said Griego, of his team's fourth-quarter touchdown.

Following a brief Los Altos possession, Shane Bounos returned a punt to within two yards of the end zone, which preceded another Spartans touchdown. Scoreless just two minutes earlier, Mountain View had claimed the momentum and also the lead it would not relinquish.

After failing to make a point-after-touchdown and a two-point conversion, the Spartans' score held at 12.

Mountain View's 12-10 win followed three early-season losses to De Anza Division powerhouses. "The intent of our tough schedule was to try to prepare us to play in the league," said Mountain View coach Dan Navarro.

At 4-3 overall and 2-0 in league, the Spartans are now in sole possession of the El Camino Division lead. "We need to work on no letdowns," said Navarro.

Los Altos, also an El Camino team, now has a record of 4-2 overall, 2-1 league.

"Defensively, we had [Mountain View] under control. ... We just have to keep winning our games and hope they lose," said Los Altos coach Bob Sykes.

Monta Vista is next for Mountain View at home on Oct. 22. Los Altos hosts Lynbrook on Oct. 23.

E-mail Scott Campbell at sports@mv-voice.com

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