RESEDA EARNS INSPIRED VICTORY : WITH HOGGATT'S SPIRIT ON THEIR MINDS, REGENTS MANAGE TO HOLD OFF CLEVELAND RESEDA 21, CLEVELAND 20.

Byline: Gary Washburn Daily News Staff Writer

The spirit of Eric Hoggatt had everything to do with this victory.

Reseda High School's football team found itself on the ropes, clinging to a one-point lead and staring defeat in the face Friday night against Cleveland.

However, when the Cavaliers thought Reseda was finished, inspiration brought the Regents to victory.

After allowing chunks of yardage on the drive, Reseda's Douglas Hernandez stopped Cleveland's Emory Holmes at the 1 on a two-point conversion with 19 seconds left to preserve a 21-20 win in a game at Cleveland.

After the tragic death of teammate Hoggatt last Friday, the Regents dedicated their season to his memory.

``That was a special play,'' Reseda coach Joel Schaeffer said. ``There was someone else helping us. You could the feel the kids never giving up.''

Cleveland rallied from a 21-6 deficit, first on a 84-yard punt return for a touchdown by Darrence Williams with six minutes left. Williams caught the two-point conversion for a 21-14 score.

The Cavaliers (0-2) got the ball back at their own 25 and drove the 75 yards in nine plays, eight running. Quarterback Jared Mills hit Josue Garcia from 9-yards to make it 21-20.

The 190-pound Holmes (12 carries, 95 yards), wore down the Reseda defense on that final drive and coach Santellano saw a soft spot in the defense. However, Hernandez stuffed the primary hole and pulled Holmes to the ground.

``We were tired but in the end we kept saying `Let's do it for Eric,''' linebacker Michael Martin said. ``We kept thinking about him. We had to come out and play for Eric.''

Special care was taken to every player injured in the game. Reseda cornerback Peter Young cut his right thumb and dislocated his index finger in the first half and was surrounded by several concerned Reseda administrators until a he was driven home.

The inspiration from Hoggatt was apparent for the Regents. They took the opening kickoff and drove 80 yards in seven plays, capped by a 16-yard touchdown pass from Washington to Martin for a 7-0 lead with 8:54 left in the first quarter.

It was Reseda's first points of the season and Martin didn't let his elation overshadow his true emotions - kneeling in prayer then pointing one finger in the sky.

``I prayed for Eric,'' Martin said. ``That was for him.''

That seemed the fuel the rest of the club, which used the game to atone for last week's 41-0 loss to Chatsworth and as a tribute to their fallen teammate.

The Regents took advantage of a botched Cleveland punt and drove 37 yards for another score, this time a 15-yard Washington run.

The senior quarterback ran the offense efficiently, using his running ability to open the defense for his pinpoint passing. He finished with 102 yards on 7 for 18 passing.

Cleveland responded off a Reseda turnover with a quick drive and Deywine Adams 11-yard run brought the Cavaliers to within 14-6.

Schaeffer reflected on the teams' tough week.

``My heart's broken right now,'' Schaeffer said. ``For the kids to vote to play and come out like this, that tells you something about them.''

The Regents wore white wristbands with the number ``7'' written in black ink. There was also a moment of silence before the game.