Santa Margarita Ties After Field Goal Is Blocked
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MISSION VIEJO — Santa Maria linebacker Mike Hampton blocked a 20-yard field goal attempt by Santa Margarita with 14 seconds left in the game Friday night to preserve a 7-7 tie in front of 2,000 at Saddleback College.
Santa Margarita got a chance to win after Brad Finnerman recovered Damen Hicks’ fumble on a punt return at the Santa Maria 20 with less than two minutes left.
Both teams had trouble getting their offenses in gear. Both touchdowns were the result of defensive errors.
Santa Maria (2-4-1) scored after running back Josh Ireland fumbled the ball at his own 10 midway through the second quarter. Two plays later, Santa Maria quarterback Brian Miler threw a 13-yard scoring pass to Joey Gordillo.
Santa Margarita (3-3-1) scored after free safety Sean O’Brien intercepted a Miler pass. Ireland scored the touchdown on a four-yard run.
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