Wow, North Hollywood's Football Team Wins Again

Hey, look who just won their second game in a row.

After starting 0-6 while rarely scoring any touchdowns, North Hollywood is on a roll. The visiting Huskies won again Friday, coming from behind to defeat Verdugo Hills 27-17 in an East Valley League game, as Ulysses Ruiz rushed for 110 yards on 23 carries, including a 15-yard touchdown that put North Hollywood (2-6) ahead for good.

"We were a little bit sloppy in the first half," North Hollywood coach Doug Bledsoe said. "We kind of lost our poise, but the second half we did a lot better, playing with character and discipline."

The game was rough with numerous ejections and 15-yard penalties.

"Flags and personal calls like that are part of the game, but you can't let it get you out of your game," Bledsoe said. "You've got to keep your discipline, and that's what we learned tonight.  Unfortunately, we have a couple of young men who have to learn the hard way. "

North Hollywood took the lead in the first quarter on a 30-yard pass from Jesse Craven to Jordan Honore.

Verdugo Hills (3-6) answered with a field goal, followed by Jason Goos' 2-yard touchdown run. North Hollywood then took the lead on a short touchdown run by Craven, then Verdugo Hills was back on top on D.J. Harris' 70-yard touchdown run to make it 17-16.

Ruiz then scored, and North Hollywood never looked back.

 "It wasn't me. I wasn't getting any yards -- I give it up for my blocks," Ruiz said.

Marco Flores added a field goal.

-- Alex Baker

North Hollywood 27, Verdugo Hills 17

BOXSCORE

North Hollywood      8          0          0          19        27

Verdugo Hills             3          7          0          7          17

North Hollywood individual leaders:

Passing – Craven (3-7-35)

Rushing – Ruiz (23-110)