Hyepock rises to occasion for Orange Lutheran

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In the press box, the early conversation centered on the all-county quarterback for Orange County. The usual suspects were mentioned: Matt Barkley, Clark Evans and Nick Crissman. Then, too, San Clemente’s Brad Curtis. Mission Viejo’s Allan Bridgford wasn’t specifically mentioned, but you know he’s a part of the conversation, too.

But by halftime, it was looking like one more player should be considered. Senior Blake Hyepock, who had never started a football game at any level for No. 6 Orange Lutheran, looked brilliant. By the end of the night, Hyepock had completed 16 of 20 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns, both to Blake Ayles, in a 31-8 nonleague victory over No. 18 Los Alamitos.

Hyepock was spectacular and stole the show from Evans, the Los Alamitos junior who is going to attract a lot of college attention for his running and passing skills.

‘I’m just practicing every day and working hard,’ Hyepock said in his understated style.

‘This whole year he’s stepped up and shocked the whole team,’ said Ayles, the USC-bound tight end who had a third touchdown reception negated by a penalty.

What was shocking Friday was to learn that Hyepock had the flu all week, according to Coach Jim Kunau. ‘But he never whined or complained,’ Kunau said. ‘He’s the nicest kid, a real high character kid. He was only about 70% of his best.’

That is shocking. Can’t wait to see him at his best.

- Martin Henderson