Laguna Hills’ Jones Plays Only Half, but That’s Enough Against University

Michael Jones scored three touchdowns to lead Laguna Hills, the fourth-ranked team in Orange County, to a 48-14 victory over University Friday night at Mission Viejo High.

Jones, the county’s leading rusher, gained 82 yards in 14 carries playing only the first half. The Hawks (7-0, 2-0 in league play) led 41-0 at halftime.

University (3-4, 1-1) fumbled four times in the first half and Laguna Hills scored touchdowns after each turnover. John Preston fumbled a pitch from quarterback Damian DeFeo on the Trojans’ opening drive and Laguna Hills recovered on the University 18-yard line. Jones scored on a two-yard touchdown run two plays later, helping Laguna Hills take a 7-0 lead.

The Hawks took a 14-0 lead on their next possession. Jones scored on a 10-yard touchdown run with with 5:40 remaining in the first quarter.

University fumbled on its next possession and Laguna Hills’ Anthony Daye recovered at the University 28-yard line. Seven plays later, Jones scored on a one-yard touchdown run that helped Laguna Hills take a 20-0 lead with 11:11 to play before halftime.

Laguna Hills scored again on its next possession when quarterback Corey Pardoe teamed with Navid Shafizadeh on a 45-yard touchdown pass. Laguna Hills held a 26-0 lead with 6:03 left in the second quarter after failing a two-point conversion pass attempt.

Another University fumble set up Laguna Hills’ next score--a 19-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Tommy Banning to Ryan Johnson. That helped Laguna Hills take a 33-0 lead with 1:14 before halftime.

After another University fumble, Banning scored on a three-yard touchdown run. Laguna Hills added a two-point conversion pass to take a 41-0 lead with four seconds left in the half.

University scored all its points in the fourth quarter. Jonathan Rossi scored on a six-yard touchdown run with 11:10 remaining. Jarrett Mahoney recovered a fumble and returned the ball 90 yards with 3:42 left.