Prep Football : Laguna Hills’ Miscues Key Corona del Mar’s 4th Win

Corona del Mar High School came back from a scoreless first half, in which it was held to minus-7 yards, to score 14 third-quarter points to beat Laguna Hills, 14-11, Friday night before 1,500 at Mission Viejo High School.

The Sea Kings’ victory was their fourth straight, with Laguna Hills dropping to 1-3.

With 7:39 left in the third quarter, Corona del Mar linebacker Pat Callaghan recovered a Laguna Hills fumble at the Hawks’ 15-yard line. Two plays later, halfback Greg Haack ran 5 yards for Corona del Mar’s first score. Callaghan’s extra point cut Laguna Hills’ lead to 11-7.

With 5:40 left in the third quarter, linebacker Jerrott Willard recovered another fumble on the Laguna Hills’ 24-yard line. Three plays later, quarterback Ty Price passed 28 yards to tight end Chris Deuchar for the touchdown and Callaghan’s extra-point kick gave Corona del Mar its three-point victory.

The first half, sparked by a tough defense, was all Laguna Hills.

The Hawks took the opening kickoff at their 30 and, in 10 plays, moved to the Corona del Mar 30, from where Rob Milo kicked a 40-yard field goal to give Laguna Hills a 3-0 lead with 6:46 left in the first quarter.

After holding Corona del Mar, Laguna Hills took 6 plays to march 37 yards for the score. Darrin Chapman carried the ball the final 3 yards for the touchdown. The extra-point kick was no good, however, and Laguna Hills led 9-0 after one quarter.

The Hawks, with 7:09 left until halftime, had tackle Joe Wittenberg tackled Price in the end zone for a safety.