SOUTHERN SECTION FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS : Price Proves Worthy of His Teammates’ Praise

There was no doubt in anyone’s mind who led Corona del Mar High School to the Division VI football championship Friday night--quarterback Ty Price.

All he did was complete 13 of 18 passes for 233 yards, 2 interceptions and a touchdown in the Sea Kings’ 17-7 victory at Orange Coast College over defending champion Valencia.

He completed passes to 7 receivers, including a 53-yard touchdown pass to Weston Johnson and a 65-yard bomb to John Katovsich to set up a second touchdown.

“The key thing I think all night was our line,” Price said. “I had virtually no pressure.

“Watching their films all week, we knew they were excellent,” Price said of Valencia’s defenders. “Their defensive backs tilt, they disguise coverages. We just called the right patterns and everything opened up. The receivers got into the holes.”

Johnson, who found gaping holes for 53- and 24-yard receptions, gave all the credit to his quarterback.

“We knew they had a great secondary but we knew we could get them,” Johnson said. “I gave a little stutter and their safety froze a little and Ty just threw a perfect pass,” he said of his touchdown reception.

“Ty has been fabulous. A quarterback has to be a leader and he is the one who guided us through the CIF.”

Price went through a midseason slump, but after Coach Dave Holland told him to relax and have fun, things turned around.

“Everybody knows he started slow, but he has been a leader when it comes down to crunch time,” said Warren Johnson, Weston’s twin, who caught 3 passes for 25 yards.

Although Price was not among the county’s passing leaders during the regular season, he has improved tremendously during the playoffs.

In 4 playoff games he has completed 46 of 64 passes for 652 yards. He ended the year completing 119 of 231 passes for 1,481 yards, 10 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.

“I don’t think anybody expected a small school like Corona del Mar to go this far but we did,” said Ray Price, Ty’s father.

“I thought (Ty) did great. I think our passing is what controlled the game.”

Holland called Price “the key to the whole thing tonight,” and Warren Johnson agreed.

“He’s a natural leader,” Johnson said. “He might not have had that good a regular season but when it comes down to the playoffs . . . he is just unbelievable.”