Villa Park football scores late TD on QB sneak to defeat Carson

Published: Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 6:19 am

Villa Park Football Opens Season with Thrilling Victory

Orange, CA - In a season opener marked by youthful inexperience, the Villa Park Spartans secured a hard-fought 26-22 victory over the Carson Colts on Saturday. The Spartans, ranked No. 25 in the preseason, overcame a deficit twice in the second half, ultimately clinching the win with a dramatic late touchdown.

The game saw a significant number of first-time varsity starters for Villa Park, highlighting the team's developmental stage. Despite early struggles, the Spartans demonstrated resilience and growth, particularly in the second half.

Carson initially took a 16-11 lead in the third quarter, fueled by a 50-yard touchdown run. Villa Park responded with a 28-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Vinny La Gatta to Luvie Clark, regaining the lead. Carson then answered with a 42-yard touchdown pass, setting the stage for a tense final stretch.

With just under eight minutes remaining, Villa Park embarked on a crucial drive, culminating in La Gatta's game-winning 1-yard touchdown on a quarterback sneak with only 42 seconds left on the clock. La Gatta, who finished with 102 yards and a touchdown on 13 attempts, displayed composure under pressure, according to Coach Dusan Ancich.

The game's early moments saw Villa Park capitalize on a fumble recovery, leading to a 73-yard touchdown run by Coy Collins. Carson responded with a touchdown of their own, and the teams traded field goals, resulting in an 11-10 halftime lead for Villa Park.

BNN's Perspective:

This victory is a promising start for Villa Park, showcasing their potential despite the team's youth. While there are areas for improvement, the Spartans' ability to overcome adversity and secure a win in a close game bodes well for their future. The team's focus on continued improvement will be crucial as they navigate their upcoming schedule.

Keywords: Villa Park football, Carson Colts, Vinny La Gatta, quarterback sneak, touchdown, season opener, high school football, Spartans, Coy Collins, Craig Walker, Luvie Clark, Chris Fields, D.J. Panton, football game, victory, score, game winner

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