Tustin Wins Sea View Title Again

Tustin wrapped up its second Sea View League championship in as many years by scoring a 34-8 homecoming victory over Corona del Mar Friday at Northrup Field.

The victory, coupled with Newport Harbor’s loss to Woodbridge Thursday night, enabled the fifth-ranked Tillers to clinch the title. Tustin and the Sailors had entered the week tied for first place.

Junior running backs Keith Thomas, who scored three touchdowns, and Jason Powell rushed for more than 100 yards each as the Tillers (9-1, 4-1) finished with a season-high 352 yards rushing.

Tustin had 417 yards of total offense, also a season high.

The Tillers scored on three of their first four possessions for a 17-0 halftime lead.

Thomas, who finished with a game-high 111 yards, scored on a 1-yard run for a 6-0 lead with four minutes 50 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

Sophomore Zack Matthews kicked a 24-yard field goal in the second quarter for a 10-0 Tustin lead. Then, senior Derek Clemons caught a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jon Miller to make it 16-0.

In the third quarter, the Tillers added 17 points on a pair of touchdown runs by Thomas, and Matthews’ 27-yard field goal.

The Sea Kings (2-6-2, 0-4-1) avoided a shutout when Randy Thomason caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Evans with 18 seconds remaining in the game.

Tustin was without leading rusher Maurice Fletcher, who missed the game because of a bruised thigh.