PREP FOOTBALL : Estancia Puts Emphasis on Defense, Throttles La Quinta

Estancia relied on its defense against La Quinta Friday night and the strategy worked as the Eagles rolled to a 14-0 nonleague victory at Newport Harbor High School.

The Eagles, who suffered a 34-20 loss against Los Amigos last week, smothered La Quinta’s running game, limiting the Aztecs to 90 yards rushing.

La Quinta quarterback C.J. Livernois didn’t have any better luck when he tried to pass, completing only six of 20 passes for 50 yards. He was sacked seven times.

The Aztecs (0-2) also fumbled twice with Estancia (1-1) recovering both times.

Estancia senior Manny Solis took care of the offensive load, rushing for 119 yards in 21 attempts. Solis helped set up Estancia’s first touchdown with 6 minutes 31 seconds remaining in the first quarter. Quarterback Matt Johner, who was six for 17 for 74 yards, scored from two yards out.

The ensuing extra attempt was blocked, giving Estancia a 6-0 lead.

With 3:24 left in the second quarter, Estancia scored again on a 21-yard pass from Johner to wide receiver Robert Rimi. Solis ran in for the two-point conversion.

“After last week, we made some adjustments, replaced people, getting different people in the lineup,” said Estancia Coach John Liebengood. “We dedicated this week to defense.”