Rancho Alamitos Recovers From Forfeit to Rout Costa Mesa

Rancho Alamitos Coach Mark Miller was worried his team would be distracted against Costa Mesa after the Vaqueros were forced to forfeit their opening victory against Troy because of an ineligible player. Even though his team defeated the Mustangs, 34-3, Miller was right.

Rancho Alamitos (1-1) turned the ball over four times, twice deep inside Costa Mesa territory. The Vaqueros also had a 38-yard touchdown run called back because of a holding penalty.

Leading, 14-3, at halftime, the Vaqueros got focused in the second half, scoring three third-quarter touchdowns to put the Mustangs (0-2) away.

Quarterback Marshall Brown passed for 133 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 172 yards and another touchdown to pace the Rancho Alamitos offense. Jeff Byrd, who rushed for 90 yards, added a pair of one-yard scoring runs.

“They were daring us to pass, playing with no safety at times,” Miller said. “Marshall did a great job of getting the ball to the open man.”