ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREP EXTRA : California’s Late Surge Sinks La Habra

With the score tied and less than 1 1/2 minutes left, Whittier California put together a six-play drive that ended with Dwayne Brown rushing 30 yards for a touchdown and a 25-18 victory over La Habra Friday night at California High.

The drive was the last of three for the Condors in the fourth quarter.

Trailing, 12-7, going into the quarter, California (2-1) scored on a 48-yard field goal by Mike Rahe. The Condors got the ball back after Chris Lerma fumbled the ensuing kickoff but were forced to punt.

Brain Schafer’s punt was key. It was downed at the 1-yard line. La Habra (1-2) was forced to punt from its end zone and gave California great field position. Two plays later, Brown scored on a 20-yard touchdown run to give California an 18-12 lead with 3:22 left.

La Habra fought back and tied the score, 18-18, when Lerma ran seven yards for a touchdown. But Dave Miller’s extra-point attempt was blocked.

“When we play to our potential, we run like an eight-cylinder engine,” California Coach Marty McWhinney said. “We have a good offensive line and three excellent ball carriers and we can really move the ball down field.”

Brown finished with 144 yards in 14 carries. Charlie Ramirez and Jimmy Johnson combined for 129 yards and a touchdown.