SOUTHERN SECTION FOOTBALL ROUNDUP : Notre Dame Routs Villa Park in Return to Orange County, 33-6

For Notre Dame Coach Kevin Rooney, one year made a big difference.

In 1992, Rooney brought the Knights to Orange County to face El Modena in the first round of the Southern Section Division IV playoffs and lost by 13 points.

On Friday night, Notre Dame turned the tables, posting a quarterfinal victory over Villa Park, 33-6. The victory propelled the Knights (10-2) into the Division IV semifinals next weekend against Canyon Springs, a 37-21 winner over Damien.

“The biggest difference between last year and this year is that we’re a year older and have a larger senior team,” Rooney said.

Rooney didn’t have much to worry about. After spotting the Spartans a 6-0 first-quarter lead, the Knights took advantage of four Villa Park turnovers, assumed a 23-6 halftime lead and coasted through the second half.

Notre Dame’s offense rolled up 220 yards rushing and 112 yards passing, while the defense held Villa Park’s explosive Grant Pearsall to 89 yards rushing in 18 carries.

Lei Malieitulua and quarterback Jabbar Craigwell confounded Villa Park (8-4). Malieitulua rushed for 85 yards in 13 carries and completed a 19-yard option pass. Craigwell rushed for 76 yards in 11 carries and completed six of 14 passes for one touchdown.

Notre Dame linebacker Chris St. John made the defensive play of the game when he wrestled the ball away from Villa Park quarterback Sean McMahon and returned the ball 67 yards for a second-quarter touchdown that gave Notre Dame a 17-6 lead.