Harrison--and Dana Hills--Finally Have Their Day

Three years ago, one of the hot debates at Niguel Hills Junior High School was which high school had a better football team, Dana Hills or Capistrano Valley?

No contest.

After all, Capistrano Valley has dominated the series with Dana Hills since it began in 1978 and had qualified for the playoffs every year. Dana Hills reached the playoffs once, in 1976.

Still, the Dolphins had their defenders, including Ryan Harrison.

“I went to junior high with a lot of the Capo Valley players,” said Harrison, The Times’ athlete of the week. “We’d always argue who was better. It was a rivalry back then because we knew we would be playing against each other in a few years.”

When faced with the fact that the Cougars had never lost to the Dolphins, Harrison would answer, “We’ll win when it’s our turn.”

Harrison’s turn came Friday night.

Harrison, a junior safety and kicker, made a 36-yard field goal with 11 seconds left to give Dana Hills a 9-7 victory. That ended the Cougars’ winning streak against the Dolphins at 10 games.

“I was hoping we’d get close enough for me to kick a game-winner,” said Harrison, who missed an extra-point attempt earlier in the game. “But I didn’t look where the ball was when I went out on the field. I thought if I looked at it, I would get nervous.

“I knew it was good when I hit the ball. The next thing I remember was a lot of guys in white jerseys jumping on me.”

It was Harrison’s third field goal of the season and second-longest. A week earlier, he kicked a 37-yarder in the Dolphins’ 16-7 victory over San Clemente.

There’s no doubt, however, that Harrison’s kick against Capistrano Valley is the most memorable.

“It was something to win that game,” said Harrison, who also starts at safety. “Everyone used to argue who was better back in junior high. Even kids who didn’t play football--girls, guys who weren’t in sports--everybody.”

Harrison didn’t play football in junior high school. Fearing injury, his parents wouldn’t let him play youth football.

Instead, Harrison concentrated on soccer and baseball, sports he still plays at Dana Hills, but he knew all along he would play football in high school.

“I was a little scared about getting hurt at first,” said Harrison, who is 5-feet 11-inches and 165 pounds. “I had never played the game before and didn’t know what it was like.”

But in part because of the kicking skills acquired while playing soccer, Harrison adjusted quickly. And his other skills have improved during the past 2 years.

Two weeks ago, Harrison was moved into the starting lineup at free safety. However, kicking is still what he does best.

“My range is getting better,” he said. “So is my confidence, especially after the Capo Valley game.

“We gained a lot more respect from that win. We are even thinking about getting into the playoffs this year. I think Dana Hills will be a factor the next few years.”

That’s something few people might have thought possible a few years ago . . . other than some kids at Niguel Hills Junior High School.

TOP PERFORMERS

Manny Bonilla of Costa Mesa rushed for 187 yards and 2 touchdowns as the Mustangs defeated Laguna Hills, 29-21, Friday. Bonilla scored on runs of 66 and 44 yards.

Derek Brown of Servite rushed for 246 yards and 4 touchdowns as the Friars defeated Bishop Amat, 34-28, Saturday. Brown scored on runs of 39, 11, 61 and 82 yards.

Jason Crabbe of Laguna Beach kicked 3 field goals as the Artists defeated Trabuco Hills, 9-7, Friday. Crabbe had field goals of 45, 52 and 42 yards. The 52-yarder broke his school record of 51 yards set last season.

Estrus Crayton of Santa Ana rushed for 124 yards in 13 carries and scored 3 touchdowns as the Saints defeated Villa Park, 29-13, Saturday. Crayton also caught 3 passes for 40 yards.

Trey Frank of El Modena caught 5 passes for 123 yards and scored 3 touchdowns as the Vanguards defeated Santa Ana Valley, 30-7, Thursday. Frank scored on pass plays of 13, 24 and 60 yards.

Todd Gragnano of Los Alamitos scored 3 touchdowns as the Griffins defeated Katella, 27-7, Friday. Gragnano passed for 156 yards and rushed for 102 yards.

Eddie Lavelle of Corona del Mar broke his course record in leading the Sea Kings to a Sea View League victory over Saddleback Thursday. Lavelle ran the Newport Back Bay 3-mile course in 15 minutes 14 seconds, breaking his record by 16 seconds.

Ryan Harrison

Dana Hills High School

Position: Kicker/safety

Height, Weight, Class: 5-11, 165, Junior

Last Week: Harrison kicked a 36-yard field goal with 11 seconds left to give Dana Hills a 9-7 victory over Capistrano Valley. It was the first time the Dolphins have beaten the Cougars, who had won the first 10 meetings.

Season: Harrison has 3 field goals and 9 extra points.