PREP FOOTBALL ROUNDUP : El Dorado Shuts Down Century

El Dorado’s defense limited Century to 72 yards in total offense and running back Bryan Warner rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown in the Hawks’ 10-0 victory Saturday at Santa Ana Stadium.

Century’s option running game was no match for El Dorado’s defense. Linebackers Andy Osborne and Justin Stewart and end Joe Lee helped El Dorado hold Century to 20 yards rushing. Century quarterback Karlo Balderrama, a converted fullback, completed four of 10 passes and had two intercepted.

“Our defense was hitting and swarming to the ball,” said Rick Jones, El Dorado’s second-year coach. “I thought we were very disciplined against the option and did a good job containing them.”

Warner carried the bulk of El Dorado’s offense, rushing 25 times for 103 yards and scoring the Hawks’ only touchdown in the first quarter. El Dorado took the opening kickoff and drove 66 yards for a score, but failed to put together another good drive until the final quarter.

Blayne Leitner’s 22-yard field goal in the second quarter gave El Dorado a 10-0 lead. Leitner’s kick was set up when Century lost 33 yards on a poor snap while attempting a punt. The turnover gave El Dorado a first down at Century’s one-yard line, but penalty nullified the Hawks touchdown.

Century’s only scoring opportunity ended at El Dorado’s 13-yard line early in the fourth quarter when Balderrama fumbled a snap on fourth and four and lost two yards.

El Dorado then took possession, driving to Century’s four-yard line, keeping the ball for nearly nine minutes. Unfortunately, the drive ended with Leitner missing a 23-yard field goal attempt.

“I really liked the intensity of our offensive line on that last drive,” Jones said. “Warner was a bulldog all day. It was too bad we couldn’t score after driving all the way down the field.”

Among the defensive heroes for El Dorado was Lee, Osborne and Stewart. Stewart recovered two fumbles; Lee recovered a fumble and had two sacks and Osborne intercepted a pass.

El Dorado defeated Century, 34-7, in the 1990 season opener, but despite Saturday’s closer score, Century Coach Bill Brown wasn’t happy.

“We’re still a long way from being a good team,” he said.

In another nonleague game:

Brethren Christian 53, Capistrano Valley 3--Matt Marksbury scored three touchdowns at Artesia High School, helping the Warriors to a 33-0 halftime lead in the season opener for both schools. Marksbury, who caught four passes for 123 yards and a touchdown, also scored on a 50-yard run and a 52-yard interception return.

Brethren Christian’s defense held Capistrano Valley Christian to 14 total yards in the first half.

Tim Osborn returned a punt 80 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter, and quarterback Dan Cerio threw for 184 yards and two touchdowns for Brethren Christian.