Highland Miscues Help Ayala Prevail

Palmdale Highland’s season, unlikely and exciting, crashed down amid a pair of fourth-quarter mistakes that led to a 30-10 victory by Chino Hills Ayala on Saturday night in a Southern Section Division II semifinal game at Citrus College.

With his team trailing, 15-10, with 9:44 remaining, Highland running back Dan Bruton got his only carry of the game and gained two yards--then fumbled.

Ayala (11-2) recovered at the Highland 33-yard line.

Highland (9-4) held, forced a fourth-and-nine and then forced an incomplete pass.

But there was roughing the passer on the play. Ayala retained possession and immediately scored, Brian White breaking three tackles en route to a 17-yard run and 22-10 lead that put the game away.