San Clemente Makes the Most of Tustin Turnovers in Upset

San Clemente took advantage of four Tustin turnovers to stun the fourth-ranked Tillers, 24-7, in a nonleague game Friday night at Tustin High.

It was the Tillers’ first home defeat in three years. They hadn’t lost at home since Estancia beat them in 1989.

Said San Clemente Coach Mark McElroy: “This is huge .”

The Tritons (1-1) did it with air power. Quarterback Brett Hall completed 18 of 29 passes for 196 yards and three touchdowns. San Clemente had only 14 yards rushing but it hardly mattered.

San Clemente, which lost to Canyon Country Canyon, 35-21, last week and finished 2-8 last season, took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on Hall’s 10-yard touchdown pass to Allen Vaughn with 3 minutes 9 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

The Tritons scored again in the second quarter when Hall hit tight end Ryan Scott on a 15-yard touchdown pass with 6:10 left.

Tustin tried to rally in the third quarter. Quarterback Jason Reynolds ran 51 yards for a touchdown to cut the Tritons’ lead to 14-7.

But three interceptions--two by defensive back Dylan Newman--stopped the Tillers’ attempts at a rally.