Hartnell knocks off West Hills

SALINAS >> A defensive show of force in the second half vaulted Hartnell College to a 24-16 comeback victory Saturday over previously unbeaten West Hills.

The victory, witnessed by about 2,000 at Rabobank Stadium, gives the Panthers (9-1 overall, 5-1 conference) the conference co-championship with West Hills.

On Sunday, Hartnell coach Matt Collins will learn which bowl game and opponent his team will play on Nov. 29.

The Panthers, down 16-3 at halftime, stormed back in the third quarter after Devante Conyers blocked a West Hills field goal attempt on the 6 yard line.

After the turnover, Hartnell marched 78 yards downfield and cut West Hills' lead to 16-10 on a Sherrod Hawkes 13-yard touchdown run.

From there the Panthers' defense put the brakes on West Hills, forcing it to punt on its next two drives. Hartnell's offense responded with a drive capped by Michael Turner's 19-yard touchdown pass to Dominic Miller, giving the Panthers the lead for good at 17-16.

At the 10:22 mark in the fourth, Hartnell's Brandon Neverdon blocked a West Hills punt that was recovered by the Panthers' Eppy Henriguez, who returned it 23 yards for a touchdown and a 24-16 lead.

Hartnell's defense held West Hills on three more drives, capped by a Justin Rocamora interception at the 27 yard line.

Chuntony Johnson had three sacks for Hartnell. Teammates Rodrigo Delacruz and Dereck Woodard each had a sack.

Hawkes finished with 18 carries for 168 yards and a touchdown. Turner was 10-for-19 for 147 yards

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