Capo Valley, El Toro break out of their shells

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Was that enough offense for you?

Capistrano Valley and El Toro used to be cat-and-dog rivals in the South Coast League and one of the really good games in Orange County. They continued their tradition of playing each other in an annual nonleague game -- and God bless ‘em for doing it -- after El Toro got shuffled off to the Sea View League last season.

This was the wildest game these teams have played in years. Or decades. Capo Valley won, 48-38. Michael Campana scored four touchdowns in the fourth quarter for Capo Valley, which was down 30-20. I repeat, four TDs in the fourth quarter. He finished with 247 yards rushing and six touchdowns.

Not a bad night, and meaningful since the game was close.

Since 2001, the most points both teams combined to score was 47 points, when El Toro won, 31-16.

Only twice since 2001 has Capo scored as many as 48 points -- it had 49 against Laguna Beach last year, and 51 against Trabuco Hills in 2004. And yes, the Cougars won both of those games.

Only once since 2001 has El Toro scored at least 38 points -- the Chargers scored 42 against Garden Grove Santiago in 2005.

The previous six times these teams have played each other, Capo averaged 17.5 points, El Toro 20.8, and ET had four victories.

I’m not sure, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this isn’t the highest scoring game in the series history. But like I said, I’m not sure of that. But I am sure of one thing: This game was ridiculous.

- Martin Henderson