University Shuts Down Laguna Beach for First Victory

Sophomore Colin Cavanaugh rushed for 116 yards in 10 carries and one touchdown to lead University to a 19-0 Pacific Coast League victory over Laguna Beach Friday night at Irvine High.

University (1-4-1, 1-0) held Laguna Beach (0-6, 0-1) to 121 yards in total offense while stopping a four-game losing streak.

The Artists, who have been shut out in two consecutive games, had only five yards rushing. Laguna Beach was led by sophomore quarterback Ryan Schissler, who completed 13 of 27 passes for 116 yards with two interceptions.

University took a 7-0 lead on Cavanaugh’s three-yard touchdown run with 3 minutes 47 seconds left in the first quarter. The touchdown culminated a six-play, 80-yard drive.

Cavanaugh’s 59-yard run, set up the score.

The Trojans’ Chris Hearn then blocked a punt by Schissler late in the third quarter. The ball went out of bounds and University took over on the Artists’ two-yard line.

Jonathan Rossi scored from two yards out to give University a 13-0 lead with 18 seconds left in the third quarter.

University moved ahead, 19-0, when Gearson Contento ran over from eight yards out with 1:47 left in the game. The touchdown was set up when Andy Dennis intercepted a pass and returned the ball 15 yards to the Laguna Beach 21-yard line.