Corona del Mar Rallies to Tie Estancia

The lights weren’t working as Corona del Mar and Estancia were ready to take the field in a nonleague game at Newport Harbor High School Friday night.

But when the lighting was restored 25 minutes after the scheduled kickoff, the teams played to a 13-13 tie.

Corona del Mar (1-1-1) trailed, 13-7, with 3 minutes 14 seconds left in the fourth quarter, but tied it when Jeff Wegener caught a 10-yard pass from Todd Kehrli, who completed eight of 17 passes for 75 yards. The extra point by kicker Tom Hess failed, leaving the score tied.

Estancia (2-0-1) had a chance to win with two seconds left, but Mike Smith’s 38-yard field-goal attempt was blocked.

Dave Holland, Corona del Mar coach, said the missed extra point haunted the Sea Kings.

“The missed PAT could have won it,” Holland said. “We made some mistakes and let them get off the hook, but we played a 100% better than last week.”

Estancia took the early lead as Matt Johner threw to Peter Baniaga for a 29-yard touchdown, giving the Eagles a 7-0 lead. Estancia was led by Nelson Olshefski, who carried 18 times for 84 yards.

Corona del Mar tied the score, 7-7, when Hess scored on a four-yard run.