Sea Kings Win on Field Goal

Tom Hess kicked a 19--yard field goal as time expired to lift visiting Corona del Mar over Huntington Beach, 19--16, in an error-plagued nonleague game.

Hess had scored earlier on a one-yard run with just three minutes remaining to bring the Sea Kings to within one point of the Oilers.

But instead of going for the two-point conversion and the victory, Corona del Mar Coach Dave Holland was content to go for the tie.

“I wasn’t thinking we might get the ball back,” Holland said. “I thought it was good enough to just get out with a tie. The win was just a bonus. We played very poorly.”

After the Sea Kings tied the score, Huntington Beach started driving with hopes of getting close enough for a final, game-winning field goal. But the strategy backfired. With just 1:14 left and the Oilers in control of the football at mid-field, Corona del Mar defensive back Matt Evans intercepted a Jack Friend pass and returned it all the way to the Huntington Beach 12, setting up Hess’ field goal.

Corona del Mar was utterly dominated in the first half, held to minus yardage. Huntington Beach had 183 yards in offense during that time.