Sunny Hills’ Defense Continues to Be Stingy

For the fourth time in five games, Sunny Hills’ defense didn’t give up a touchdown as the Lancers defeated Valencia, 24-7, in a nonleague football game Thursday at Valencia High.

Sunny Hills (4-1) held the Tigers to three yards rushing and 16 yards passing. Valencia’s only touchdown came on a 37-yard interception return by Jeff Ginter in the second quarter.

“Our defensive line has played together for three years,” Sunny Hills Coach Tim Devaney said. “Last week’s game was a good wake-up call.”

Last week, Sunny Hills was defeated by Mission Viejo, 30-7. Two weeks ago, Sunny Hills held Brea Olinda to minus yardage in a 19-0 victory.

Adam Rodriguez got the Lancers on the scoreboard first Thursday, scoring on a 16-yard run to cap the game’s opening drive. He finished with 118 yards in 16 carries.

Rodriguez also hurt Valencia when he was used to hand off on eight reverse plays.

Grady Funck took a handoff from Rodriguez on a reverse, then sped down the left sideline 46 yards for a touchdown that broke a 7-7 tie in the second quarter.

“We are trying to keep some of the pressure off Rodriguez,” said Devaney, noting that his standout running back is only 5 feet 8.

The Lancer took a 21-7 lead with 1 minute 1 second left in the half on a 10-yard touchdown run by Guy Porter off another handoff from Rodriguez.

Bruce added a 25-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to complete the scoring.

Valencia (1-3-1) was limited to one first down passing and picked up three more thanks to penalties against Sunny Hills.

Contributing to the Lancers’ running attack were Porter (76 yards), Funck (65) and Kevin Haiola (57).