Central Valley’s football team lost in heart-breaking fashion for the third time in four games this past week.

The Hawks fell 20-14 in triple overtime to the Western Athletic Conference-rival Grace Davis Spartans Friday evening at Johansen High School.

Central Valley sustained one-point and five-point losses while battling Pitman and El Capitan during the first two weeks of the season.

“We’ve been competitive in all of our games,” Hawks’ head coach Derrick Goblirsch said. “I feel we’re getting better. We just have to learn how to win in those (close-game) situations.”

Central Valley dropped to 1-3 overall and 0-1 in the WAC standings.

Grace Davis improved to 2-2 and 1-0.

The Spartans are coached by Trevor Mew, who starred at quarterback on Central Valley’s football team for three seasons (2006-08). 

“I’m excited to see how the kids respond this week,” Goblirsch said. “I hope they come in with the right mindset.”

Hawk sophomore quarterback Junior Gomez completed 9 of 16 passes for 111 yards with two touchdowns and one interception versus the Spartans.

Caden Mendonca finished with 93 yards and one touchdown on four receptions.

Maxwell Gonzalez grabbed two passes for 9 yards and one touchdown.

Erick Mendoza rushed for 56 yards on 13 carries.

Sebastian Maldonado chipped in with 50 yards on eight carries.

Jeremiah Moreno added 20 yards on six carries. 

Josiah Armenta drilled both of his point-after kicks.

Terrance Wethington totaled eight tackles on defense.

Jaycob Casias registered seven tackles and forced one fumble.

Azaiah Lopez had three tackles and one sack.

Gonzalez had two tackles and one interception.

Jony Velazquez had one tackle and one sack.

Adrian Delahoya had one tackle and one interception.

LaDanian Alvarez had one interception.

Mendoza averaged 48.3 yards on three punts.

“Defensively, we played very well,” Goblirsch said. “I was happy with the effort. Our offense has to do a better job. We struggled to run the ball in the red zone. Everything gets tighter down the goal line. We should be able to execute down there. Our offensive line is our strength.”

Grace Davis scored on its first offensive play in the third overtime to secure the victory. 

The Spartans ended the game following a Hawk interception.

Central Valley’s and Grace Davis’ defensive units got stops in the second overtime.

The Hawks and Spartans missed field goals in the first overtime.

Grace Davis stormed back from a 14-point deficit.

The Spartans evened the score with 1:46 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Central Valley contributed to its own demise by committing three turnovers during the contest.

“You could feel the momentum shift,” Goblirsch said. “To go up 14-0 and lose late like that is heartbreaking. We have to do better executing down the stretch.”

Central Valley will play host to Pacheco (0-4, 0-1) this Friday.

The game will be held at Ceres High.

Kickoff slated for 7 p.m.