Corona del Mar Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive

Corona del Mar football Coach Dave Holland said he was drained, and had the look to prove it.

Close games during late-season playoff drives will do that to a coach.

After opening a 17-3 lead early in the second half, the Sea Kings had to sweat out a come-from-behind 23-18 Sea View League victory over Saddleback Friday night at Santa Ana Stadium.

Matt Evans’ 27-yard touchdown pass to Jeff Wegener with 3 minutes 1 second left in the game allowed Corona del Mar to avoid what would likely have been the final blow to the Sea Kings’ playoff chances. The victory kept Corona del Mar in contention for a Southern Section playoff berth, but earning a trip to the postseason won’t be easy for the Sea Kings (6-2-1, 3-2-1).

Corona del Mar is in fourth place in league, trailing league champion Irvine (6-0), Newport Harbor (4-2) and Santa Margarita (4-2).

“We needed the win tonight and we need the win next week (against Irvine Thursday at Newport Harbor),” Holland said. “We’ve still got work to do.”

A victory over Irvine would probably ensure the Sea Kings a Division IV wild-card berth. Newport Harbor or Santa Margarita must lose next week, combined with a Sea King victory, for Corona del Mar to clinch an automatic berth.

Friday’s victory appeared wrapped up early in the third quarter when Tom Hess’ second rushing touchdown of the game gave Corona del Mar a 17-3 lead. As he did on his first-quarter score, Hess bowled over two Saddleback defenders en route to the end zone.

Saddleback rallied to take an 18-17 lead on Shon Caldwell’s six-yard run with 7:11 left in the game. Earlier, Danny Ruvulo’s third-quarter 20-yard touchdown pass to Andrew Guillen brought the Roadrunners (3-6, 2-4) within 17-10.

Evans’ winning touchdown pass to Wegener was set up by running back J.R. Walz, who rushed for 34 of his game-high 125 yards on Corona del Mar’s final drive.