HS FOOT: Crespi savors football win

Shockwaves continue to run through the San Fernando Valley following Crespi's dramatic 34-28 win at Notre Dame that was decided on the last play, when from his own 32, Kenny Stenhouse threw a short pass to Michael Davison, who broke a few tackles and pitched to Terrence Williams, who ran the final 50 yards for a touchdown, diving into the end zone with a defender hanging onto him.

A playoff berth was on the line, as Crespi overcame a 21-point deficit to make the postseason for the first time since 2007, while Notre Dame failed to qualify for the first time in many years.

The whole thing has to be a rush for Crespi's first-year coach Jon Mack, who graduated from Notre Dame in 1978 and later was an assistant under mentor Kevin Rooney, who is still there in his 31st year as head coach.

"I'm very, very proud of my team. We never quit," Mack said. "We kept battling back and battling back, and I'm very proud of the boys. All of them. When you're down 21 points, you can't give up in that situation even though it can be overwhelming. One play, one first down at a time, you crawl back in."

Stenhouse passed for 380 yards, giving him a Crespi season-record 2,827 yards. He also passed for three touchdowns to give him a school-record 29.

"Kenny has had a terrific year. He's a great young man," Mack said.

Mack does not even want to think about how devastating a loss would have been.

"You never say the 'L' word. You don't worry about anything but the next play," he said. "I'm real proud of my team. We didn't achieve all of our goals, but we get to keep playing. The kids are ecstatic, and that doesn't even begin to describe it."

Playoff pairings are scheduled to be released today. In the Pac-5, the section's most competitive division, the Celts probably will open on the road, but you won't hear any complaints.

"I'm pretty sure we'll draw a league champion, but that's OK. Let's go play," Mack said.