Pacifica Wins on Two Punt-Return Touchdowns

Pacifica scored two touchdowns on punt returns and held on to beat Huntington Beach, 13-7, in a nonleague game Thursday at Huntington Beach High.

Huntington Beach forced two late Pacifica turnovers to fight its way back into contention, but the Oilers’ final drive ended deep in Pacifica territory when time expired.

In the fourth quarter, the Oilers’ Chris Yadrick blocked a punt, setting up a four-yard touchdown run by Eric Escobedo.

With 1 minute 32 seconds left, Huntington Beach linebacker Tony Gonzalez forced a fumble and the Oilers recovered at the Pacifica 45. A pass-interference penalty moved the ball inside the 30 and then Jonathan Wimbish completed a pass to Yadrick to move the ball to the 12.

But Wimbish was sacked as time expired.

“We battled back,” Huntington Beach Coach George Pascoe said. “We kept playing hard defense and totally shut them out in the fourth quarter. I know they got a couple first downs in the second half but not very many.”