Kinkade Passes Estancia to 20-3 Victory

Both Estancia High School quarterback Mike Rosellini, who is recovering from mononucleosis, and his No. 1 receiver Eric Dorn, who is recovering from knee surgery, watched Thursday night’s nonleague game against Laguna Hills from the sidelines of Davidson Field.

But the Eagles came up with two capable replacements in Sean Kinkade, who passed for 120 yards and a touchdown, and Jon Hernandez, who caught five passes for 66 yards and a touchdown, to lead Estancia to a 20-3 victory in front of about 1,500 fans.

The Eagles (1-1) also received an excellent rushing performance from Ian MacDonald, who gained 118 yards on 28 carries to help Estancia outgain winless Laguna Hills, 295-117, in total yardage. John Corrigan kicked field goals of 25 and 35 yards and added two extra points.

Kinkade, a transfer from Royal High School in Simi Valley, completed 12 of 23 passes in his second start. But when Rosellini returns in two weeks, Kinkade will have to give up his quarterback position.

“He’ll probably play safety,” Estancia Coach Ed Blanton. “We’ll find some place for him to play.”

Kinkade isn’t so sure. He thinks he can challenge for the quarterback spot.

“We were both battling for the job in practice, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens,” he said. “I don’t see why I should be taken out as long as I’m doing a good job.”

Kinkade played well enough Thursday night for Blanton to perhaps re-evaluate the quarterback situation, or at least consider Kinkade. But, despite Kinkade’s performance Thursday night, Rosellini is Blanton’s guy.

Kinkade combined with Hernandez for a 24-yard touchdown pass play in the first quarter. The Hawks tripled last week’s offensive output with Jeff Tinch’s 34-yard field goal in the second period, but that was all the points they could muster while dropping to 0-2.

Corrigan kicked his field goals in the second and third periods, and Estancia scored its final touchdown on Craig Conte’s three-yard run in the fourth quarter. Estancia had 21 first downs in the game, Laguna Hills 7.