Valencia Holds Off Brea Comeback

PLACENTIA — Brea-Olinda’s comeback bid slipped away in a fourth-quarter rainstorm Friday night at Valencia High School.

Brea quarterback Paul Chiotti had three passes slip through wide-open receivers’ hands during two attempts to rally and Valencia held on for a 20-17 victory before a homecoming crowd of 3,300.

The victory, Valencia’s fourth in a row, kept the Tigers (5-2, 2-0) in first place in the Orange League, and moved them to within one victory of their ninth league title in 10 years. Valencia meets Anaheim next week.

Brea-Olinda (3-4, 1-1) was trying to avenge a 50-17 loss to Valencia last year that included a stutter-stepping touchdown dance by former Valencia star Ryan Roskelly that added to the insult.

But the Wildcats found themselves trailing, 20-3, late in the first half following a fine first-half performance by Valencia quarterback Rob Petko. Petko threw three touchdown passes in the half as the Tigers scored on their first three possessions.

Petko teamed with running back Chris Draft on a 16-yard scoring play and then connected with fullback Brett Harding for a 14-yard touchdown to give Valencia a quick 14-0 lead in the first quarter.

But Petko wasn’t finished. He threw his best pass of the game--a 37-yarder to wide receiver Jermaine Gray--during a cloudburst with 3:51 remaining in the half. The score gave Valencia a 20-3 lead, but it was the last time the Tigers would reach the end zone.

Asked afterward if his team let up with a 17-point lead, Valencia Coach Mike Marrujo said, “I don’t think so. These are two good football teams, and you have to give credit to Brea for coming back.”

Chiotti led Brea’s comeback late in the first half as the rain subsided. He led Brea on a 55-yard drive that culminated with a 13-yard touchdown pass to running back Sean Bickel with 22 seconds left in the half that sliced Valencia’s lead in half, 20-10. Chiotti completed four consecutive passes during the drive.

Brea defensive back Nick Logoteta set up the only touchdown of the second half when he intercepted Petko’s pass at his own 40-yard line and returned it 15 yards to the Valencia 25. Five plays later, Chiotti threw a six-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kevin Peterson.

As the rain persisted, both teams grew conservative, hoping to avoid a costly mistake. Neither managed to cross midfield the rest of the game.

Chiotti finished with 116 yards passing on 11 of 24 attempts, but five of his passes were dropped. Brea’s Draft was the top offensive player in the game. He gained 82 yards in 19 carries and caught two passes for 45 yards.