COUNTY HIGHLIGHTS FROM WEEK 6

L.A. Times Archives

Oct. 19, 1996 12 AM PT

SIMPLE GAME PLAN

Los Alamitos Coach John Barnes does not take well to losing. And it’s even more difficult when it’s to rival Esperanza, which beat the Griffins, 24-20, Thursday. But Barnes and his staff may want to take a good look at the game film.

From the second quarter on, Esperanza ran the ball 85% of the time, primarily attacking the right side of Los Alamitos’ defensive line. Aztec running back Jamaal Footman rushed for 177 of his game-high 197 yards after the first quarter.

“We kept waiting for them to adjust to it,” Footman said, “but they never really did.”

GIVE THE MAN A HAND

Rancho Alamitos outside linebackers David Vickers and Nu Atuatasi had all five sacks in the Vaqueros’ 10-7 victory over Pacifica, but middle linebacker Mike Hanlyn might have made the game’s biggest play.

He ended Pacifica’s last serious threat when he tackled halfback Verdell LeVeaux behind the line on fourth and one at Rancho Alamitos’ 47.

“I just got a hand on him and didn’t let go,” Hanlyn said.

FIRST-TIME CHARM

Edison’s Alex Romero, a junior who recently transferred from Mater Dei, made a fast first impression Friday. The first time Romero touched the football for the Chargers he returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown in the 35-14 victory over Huntington Beach.

RECORD-SETTER

Steven Warfield scored four touchdowns Friday to tie an El Dorado school record in the Golden Hawks’ 27-14 victory, over Loara. Alex Molnar also scored four touchdowns against Katella in 1994. Warfield’s 35 carries also tied a school record set by Mike Adams against Saddleback in 1971.

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HOW TOP 10 FARED

Results of games involving teams in the Orange County Sportswriters’ Poll:

1. Mater Dei (5-0) plays Mission Viejo (3-2) tonight.

2. Los Alamitos (5-1) lost to No. 3 Esperanza (5-1), 24-20, Thursday.

3. Esperanza (5-1) defeated No. 2 Loss Alamitos (5-0), 24-20, Thursday.

4. Servite (5-1) defeated Ocean View (1-5), 41-0.

5. Laguna Hills (6-0) defeated Estancea (5-1), 36-22.

6. Santa Margarita (5-1) defeated Newport Harbor (5-1), 36-22.

7. Aliso Niguel (6-0) defeated Costa Mesa (3-3), 21-7.

8. Capistrano Valley (4-2) defeated Dana Hills (3-3), 33-9.

9. Irvine (4-2) defeated Corona del Mar (3-3), 21-0, Thursday.