Peery Sparks Laguna Beach Comeback

Keith Peery scored a touchdown with four minutes 51 seconds remaining as Laguna Beach High School’s football team rallied for a 19-14 victory over San Bernardino Aquinas in the season opener at Laguna Beach.

Peery, a senior running back, scored on a five-yard run with four minutes 51 seconds remaining to put the Artists ahead for good. His touchdown capped an 80-yard, eight play drive.

Early in the drive, Laguna Beach quarterback Trig Garner found Eric Fegraus for a 52-yard touchdown pass, but the play was nullified when the Artists were called for offensive pass interference. Fegraus, Orange County’s fifth-ranked receiver last season, finished with just one reception and 31 yards.

On the next play after the penalty, Chris Faubert, who also scored on a five-yard run in the third quarter, broke through the middle for a 47-yard gain that set up a first down at the Aquinas 20. Five plays later, Peery scored the winning touchdown.

The Artists struck first, capitalizing on senior safety Jason Abraham’s first of two interceptions in the game.

Four plays after Abraham’s interception, quarterback Robbie Mejia’s at the Aquinas 37-yard line, Peery scored his first touchdown on a three-yard run.