Quarterback Lappin Has Santa Ana Offense Clicking

It took less than half of the season for Santa Ana quarterback Archie Lappin to shed the label of “inexperienced freshman.”

He has done so with solid performances in two victories in Mission Conference games that have put the Dons in first place in the Central Division race.

But Santa Ana (2-3, 2-0) started the year going in a much more negative direction.

The Dons were outscored, 107-57, in three consecutive losses, and Coach Dave Ogas and defensive coordinator Tom Nelson took a hard look at their players. Changes were made, but Ogas said the most important one was the decision to employ Lappin full-time at quarterback after he had split time in the first three games.

“The emergence of Archie Lappin has turned us around,” Ogas said. “The confidence he is getting just makes us click.”

Lappin’s transformation came against Palomar, a game in which he threw for three touchdowns and ran for two more. He continued his impressive play by completing 13 of 17 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown Saturday in a 56-14 victory over Golden West.

Santa Ana looks to make it three in a row when the Dons travel to Saddleback (3-2, 1-0) to play at 1 p.m. Saturday. Saddleback has won the last two Central Division titles.

Lappin is showing a talent for reading the entire field and taking full advantage of his options. He is willing to take off on his own when he can’t find an open receiver. He rushed for 60 yards in eight carries against Golden West.

“He just makes good decisions,” Santa Ana offensive coordinator Tom Shine said.

Lappin came to Santa Ana from Loara High, where he was selected Empire League player of the year and also the school’s athlete of the year as a senior.

“The Palomar game gave me a lot of confidence that I can play on this level,” Lappin said. “It was different coming to a new team after four years [at Loara], but the guys have really pulled it together and it feels like a family again.”