ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREP EXTRA : Carter’s Return Helps Carry Trabuco Hills to First Victory of Season

The return of Bryan Carter helped Trabuco Hills return to its winning ways.

Carter, a senior tailback who missed the previous 1 1/2 games because of a concussion, slashed his way to 103 yards rushing, 71 receiving and scored twice to give Trabuco Hills its first victory of the season, a 17-14 decision over Villa Park in a nonleague game Friday night.

“It was very nice to see Bryan Carter on the practice field Wednesday after getting medical clearance,” said Bill Crow, who earned his first victory as a head coach since 1987. “I thought we grew up tonight. We had some fun.”

The once pass-happy Mustangs (1-2) rushed 37 times for 222 yards out of their new wishbone offense. The Spartans (2-1) rushed for 150 yards, 119 by Chris Bell, but couldn’t overcome another lethargic first quarter and an outstanding effort by the Mustangs’ special teams.

Twice, Trabuco Hills started at the Villa Park 35. The first followed a 21-yard punt return by Tom Kilby and the other after an interception by Kevin Pieroni. Runs of 23 by Kilby and 34 by Carter set up one-yard runs by Carter for a 14-0 lead.

With one minute remaining in the first half, Villa Park wide receiver Chuck Reid caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from Sam Stremick, cutting the lead to 14-6. But Trabuco Hills’ Brenton Junge hit an 18-yard field goal for a 17-6 halftime advantage.