Tie is sweet for LA; bitter for MV

By Vincent Liu, Town Crier Correspondent

Two high school football teams seemingly heading in opposite directions renewed their annual rivalry Friday night at Foothill College. The scoreboard showed no winner or loser; but one could hardly be sure, judging by the players’ reactions after the game.

The Los Altos High Eagles — entering the contest at 0-4 — stayed winless, but they were a jubilant bunch after the game, with grins all around.

The Mountain View High Spartans — coming in on a two-game win streak (including a stunning upset of Wilcox) — did not lose, but they were a glum bunch after the game.

That’s because the game ended tied at 7.

The sharp emotional contrast between the two teams perhaps could be explained by the fact the Spartans were rated a 28-point favorite by an Internet sporting service. In short, Mountain View was expected to win with ease. In reality, it was lucky it didn’t lose.

The only thing more unexpected than the final outcome was the dearth of points on the scoreboard. Los Altos was a heavy underdog due mostly to its porous defense and shaky special teams. But on this night, both groups held up solidly.

The Eagles defense gave up only 230 total yards, which along with the seven points, against represent their best in both categories this season.

The special teams for once did not give up a long return on a kickoff or punt, though they did have a field goal try blocked.

Equally stellar was Mountain View’s defense. It accomplished something no other team had done this year: contain Los Altos quarterback Donnie Ecker. After averaging a combined 347 yards passing and rushing in the last three games, Ecker was held to 218 total yards — his lowest output of this season.

With both teams locked in a defensive standstill through three quarters, it became apparent the first team to score in the fourth quarter would likely be the last. The Eagles came close — twice.

After taking possession at its 24-yard line, Los Altos picked up a head of steam when receiver Shawn Girouard caught the longest pass of the game, a 33-yarder on a post pattern. On the next play, Ecker lofted a perfect spiral that Girouard ran under at the 5 for an apparent 46-yard touchdown and the lead, but the pass was dropped.

Given life, Spartans defensive end Daniel Croom promptly sacked Ecker for a loss before teammate Kevin Harris ended the threat with an interception on the following play.

Both Croom and Harris played major roles bottling up Ecker and the Eagles offense. Croom recorded two sacks, blocked a field goal attempt, and deflected a fourth-down pass to kill a drive in the fourth quarter. Harris had two picks, including a diving interception early in the second half to end another Los Altos drive at his 30.

Still, Ecker had one last chance to be a hero with his leg. After fielding a poor punt by the Spartans to start its final drive at the Mountain View 40, Los Altos drove to the 19 and lined up for a 36-yard field goal with 28 seconds left. Ecker’s kick had plenty of distance but sailed wide left and the Spartans dodged the final bullet.