Villa Park Barely Survives Orange’s Fourth-Quarter Rally

Villa Park seemed headed for an easy victory in its Century League opener against Orange Friday night at El Modena High School.

Instead, the Spartans barely survived a Panther comeback in the final minutes for a 14-7 victory.

Villa Park (4-2) led, 14-0, with 5 minutes 44 seconds left in the game and Orange was struggling to move the ball.

But Orange quarterback Noah Kimbwala saved his best for last. Faced with a fourth-and-seven on the Villa Park 11, he connected with Aaron Tavernier for a touchdown to cut the lead to 14-7.

Then, on the final play of the game, Kimbwala just missed David Chavez with a pass in the end zone and the Panthers dropped to 2-3-1.

Villa Park dominated the first half but led only, 7-0, at intermission. Quarterback A.J. Strapp hit sophomore Grant Pearsall with a pass in the end zone with 1:12 left in the second quarter.

Strapp later scored on a run from 17 yards out to build the 14-point lead.

Villa Park outgained Orange, 296-166, while recording its third consecutive victory. Ryan Tsui rushed for 100 yards, 83 in the first half.