San Clemente Advances Against Quartz Hill, 45-21

It was the game’s defining moment, no question about it.

When San Clemente’s Allen Vaughan lined up under center on the first series of downs, a pair of Quartz Hill defenders bounced in and out of the gaps in his offensive line, faking a blitz.

“That stuff don’t bother me,” Vaughan said. “I’ve been playing for 12 years.”

Vaughan rushed for 248 yards in 38 carries, both career highs, as San Clemente buried Quartz Hill, 45-21, in a Southern Section Division I playoff game Friday night at Quartz Hill.

San Clemente’s second-round playoff opponent will be Encino Crespi.

It wasn’t so much that the Rebels’ offense didn’t generate any activity, but the defense didn’t come close to stopping the Tritons, who made their first postseason appearance since 1979.

San Clemente (9-2) rolled up 440 yards and Quartz Hill, seeded third, was never closer than 14 points after the first quarter. The Tritons punted once in the first three quarters and Vaughan, who moved back to his customary tailback position after the first series, gained 107 yards rushing in the first quarter and had four touchdowns at the half.

Vaughan was simply unstoppable in the first quarter, when he scored three touchdowns in 17 carries. He carried on all eight plays in San Clemente’s first scoring drive, including a couple of carries while lining up at quarterback.

Vaughan scored on runs of 17 and two yards to give San Clemente a 15-0 lead, and even though Quartz Hill answered on its next possession, San Clemente tacked on two more touchdowns before the half was over.