PREP FOOTBALL : Edison Finds Its Stride, Overpowers Millikan, 38-0

Edison got a rare opportunity to measure its talent against an inferior opponent Thursday night, and the result was a 38-0 victory over Long Beach Millikan.

The Chargers’ nerves and bodies needed the rest after opening the season with three close games that were not decided until the final moments.

“We had three cardiac games in row,” Coach Dave White said. “It’s making me feel old.”

Seven-point victories over San Clemente and Corona del Mar, plus a four-point squeaker against Capistrano Valley can raise blood pressure.

And the bruising Sunset League schedule awaits Edison (4-0).

“We talked a lot this week about playing to our level,” White said. “Our defense has really stepped it up.”

The fourth-ranked Chargers have gone from a team that gave up 28 points in its season opener against Corona del Mar, to a team that allowed only 72 total yards against Millikan.

The Rams (1-3), whose only victory this season came against winless Santa Ana, only had two gains over 10 yards and ventured inside the Charger 20 only once.

Meanwhile, Edison’s balanced offense of run and pass plays built a 24-0 lead after one half.

Andy Linnen’s 20-yard touchdown reception with 7:05 left in the half made it 17-0. The Chargers added to their lead on an eight-yard strike from Patrick Markovsky to Mike Ogas.

Millikan didn’t do anything to help itself in the second half.

A roughing-the-kicker penalty by the Rams set up Markovsky’s third touchdown pass, which covered 29 yards to Damien Moos.

It was the second Charger touchdown that was set up by a Millikan penalty after a punt.

Bradley Lisotto rushed for 130 yards in 15 carries, giving him a 7.7 yards per carry average.