Blocked Punts Key Capistrano Valley’s Victory

Capistrano Valley turned two blocked punts into all the points it needed to shut out Dana Hills, 16-0, Friday in the South Coast League opener for both teams.

Dana Hills (3-1-2, 0-1) entered the game undefeated behind its vaunted defense. But it was Capistrano Valley’s defense that sparkled Friday night.

As both offenses struggled to move the ball, the Cougars’ special teams took charge.

Dana Hills tried to punt on a third and 10 from its 15-yard line, but the Cougars’ Levi Roquemore rushed the Dana Hills’ punter and the ball bounced off Roquemore’s chest. Roquemore hauled it in and his momentum took him the remaining five yards into the end zone.

Dana Hills was forced to punt again on its next possession, this time from its 21.

Capistrano Valley’s Jonathan Leviste blocked the punt and the ball rolled through the end zone for a safety, and the Cougars (3-3, 1-0) had a 9-0 lead.

The subsequent free kick gave Capistrano Valley the ball on the Dana Hills’ 47. Twelve plays later, Scott Patton threw a four-yard touchdown pass to Shawn Boland for a 16-0 lead with 4 minutes 37 seconds remaining in the first half.

Capistrano Valley’s defense shut down Dana Hills, holding the Dolphins to 100 yards in total offense.

“We got some big-time plays on defense,” Capistrano Valley Coach Eric Patton said. “I didn’t think we’d be able to put that much pressure on (quarterback Scott) Covington.”