Power Failure Halts Game with Corona del Mar Ahead

A 39-yard touchdown run by Corona del Mar’s J.R. Walz turned out the lights on the University High School homecoming game . . . literally.

Walz’s burst up the middle put the Sea Kings ahead, 26-0, with 9 minutes 43 seconds remaining in the third quarter before the Sea View League contest was halted by a power failure.

“We postponed the game due to an act of God and for the safety of the kids,” said head referee Don Snavely.

The power loss, caused by an excess of water in Irvine High School’s main transformer, postponed the remainder of the contest until 10:30 a.m. today at University High.

“You gotta finish the game for the kids on both sides,” Sea King Coach Dave Holland said.

Corona del Mar, 4-2-1 and 1-2-1 entering the game, dominated the rain-marred game behind 140 yards in 18 carries from Walz, a junior. The Trojans started poorly, fumbling four times in their first eight plays from scrimmage. Two of the fumbles led to Walz touchdown runs.

Corona del Mar pushed the lead to 20-0 by halftime as quarterback Matt Evans connected on a 25-yard scoring strike to Chris Quinn late in the second quarter.

University, which entered the game 1-6 overall and 1-3 in league, was led by quarterback Chris Peake, who completed four of six passes for 55 yards.