Capistrano Valley Commands Respect With Big Victory Over Tritons

Capistrano Valley, a team with a chip on its shoulder, let loose a list of grievances Friday night.

The Cougars felt neglected, overlooked, even slighted this season. Some had even questioned their ability, or so they thought.

Never mind that they were ranked 10th in Orange County. People just didn’t seem to take them seriously.

Imaginary or not, disrespect was what they heard.

All that frustration came out in a 38-0 victory over sixth-ranked San Clemente at San Clemente High School. The victory gave the Cougars (7-3, 4-1) second place in the South Coast League and gave them vindication.

“I think we have been more of an afterthought to people this year,” linebacker/running back Levi Roquemore said. “Even in the rankings, people weren’t giving us credit. After this, I expect people will take notice.”

The Cougars might have been looking for windmills to topple with this no-respect theme, but it seemed to work fine as incentive.

They had some gripes, and some may even have been justified.

But the Cougars said that they have been looked down on since their 13-7 loss to Honolulu St. Louis in the season opener. They could hear the snickering from across the ocean.

“We’ve been trying to overcome that first loss all season,” linebacker Ryan West said. “I think some people thought we were weak after that game.”

Even Coach Eric Patton got into the act.

“I think some people didn’t think our offensive line was real strong,” Patton said.

The Cougars gained 193 yards rushing against the Tritons. Roquemore had 61 yards, after having gained only 88 through the first nine games. He powered the ball up the middle, where the Tritons’ usually have 6-foot-2, 223-pound linebacker Ryan Klaasen.

But Klaasen was out because of a hamstring injury, and 161-pound Aaron Greco was in his place. He was a much more inviting target.

“When Levi started gaining yards, we kept giving him the ball,” Patton said. “I’m not dumb.”

Roquemore scored two touchdowns, one on a six-yard pass from Sam Gaines. Roquemore’s only other touchdown in his varsity career came on a blocked punt as a sophomore.

“Carrying the ball can be a lot of fun,” Roquemore said.

Not if you were a Triton.

San Clemente (8-2, 3-2) finished with 33 yards and had a minus-22 rushing. Running back Allen Vaughan came into the game with 1,315 yards rushing, but gained only 19.

Capistrano Valley had four sacks. Bron Witten picked off two passes, giving him seven for the season. The Cougars also recovered a fumble.

The defensive pressure brought about a complete collapse in the second half. The Cougars led, 9-0, at halftime, but scored 22 points in the third quarter.