Goal-line stand helps Spring Valley clinch playoff spot

Spring Valley used a goal-line stand with 18 seconds left Friday to hold on for a 21-13 win over visiting Sierra Vista.

After Sierra Vista recovered a fumble at the Spring Valley 35, Maliek Broady burst for a 34-yard gain down to the Spring Valley 1. On the next two plays, Broady was stuffed at the line for losses. After Kenneth Faccinto’s third-down pass fell incomplete, Faccinto scrambled left on fourth down but could not connect with the diving Javion Hunt, ending the Mountain Lions’ hopes and helping the Grizzlies (3-6, 2-3 Northwest League) clinch the Northwest League's final playoff spot.

Spring Valley took the lead for good with 49 seconds left in the first half. Devyn Deckard gave the Grizzlies field position with a kickoff return to the Sierra Vista 45, and, after two false start penalties, E.J. Wilbert found a lane down the sideline for a 55-yard touchdown to put Spring Valley ahead 21-13.

Sky Thompson of Spring Valley had a 65-yard interception return during the fourth quarter negated because of multiple personal foul penalties during and after the play, three of which resulted in player ejections.

Broady led all rushers with 173 yards on 31 carries, including a 27-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter. Micah Benoza totaled 102 yards on three catches for Spring Valley.

Sierra Vista finished 2-7, 1-4.