El Toro Strikes Quickly in a 48-13 Victory Over Corona del Mar

It didn’t take El Toro long to assert itself in a key Sea View League football matchup Friday against Corona del Mar.

Murle Sango took an option pitch from quarterback Mike Strand on the Chargers’ first play from scrimmage and raced 75 yards for a touchdown only 42 seconds into the game, setting the stage for El Toro’s blowout victory over Corona del Mar, 48-13, at Newport Harbor High.

Sango touched the ball only six times in the first half, but scored three of his four touchdowns in the half to help the Chargers (5-3, 2-1 in league) deflate the Sea Kings (4-4, 1-2) by halftime.

Sango put the Sea Kings in an early hole, scoring on a 12-yard reception and a 17-yard run in the first half. Sango also scored on a 57-yard screen pass play to give the Chargers a 41-7 lead two minutes into the second half, and he finished with 96 yards rushing in six carries and three receptions for 76 yards.

Strand completed eight of 12 passes for 160 yards and three touchdowns, including a first-half 15-yard scoring pass to Adam Foellmi.

The El Toro offense piled up 247 yards in the first half and the defense limited Corona del Mar to 13 yards rushing and forced two turnovers.

The Charger defense gave up two short touchdown runs by Corona del Mar quarterback Mike McClellan, and although he completed 14 of 32 passes for 209 yards, most of it came after the game was already decided.

“It was good for us to get back on track after the loss to Newport Harbor last week,” El Toro Coach Mike Milner said. “Every game is a big game for us now.”