Laguna Hills Corrals the Mustangs

Laguna Hills’ defense dominated Trabuco Hills Friday night, leading the Hawks to a 19-13 nonleague football victory at Mission Viejo High.

Tyler Bengard led the way, accounting for 14 tackles and four sacks. “We quit playing as individuals and just went out there and starting playing as a team,” Bengard said.

Brandon Champlin was the story on offense, completing nine of 18 passes for 170 yards and three touchdowns. Champlin’s touchdown pass to Jeff Fischer in the second quarter was the first score of the game and set the tone for the Hawks’ offense.

The Hawks came out strong in the second half, scoring two touchdowns in a two-minute span to begin the half. The first score was set up by Ryan Johnson’s 54-yard run. Two plays later, Champlin lofted a perfect pass to Dan Kempff for an 18-yard score.

The second touchdown came on Champlin’s 24-yard bullet to Derek Stevens, following a fumble recovery by the Hawks.

Trabuco Hills quarterback Brandon Heaney attempted to lead the Mustangs back with his one-yard run to begin the fourth quarter, but the Laguna Hills defense tightened up, allowing only 19 total yards for the rest of the game.

Jeff Fischer added two interceptions for Laguna Hills to complement his three receptions and one touchdown on offense.

Al Gandall carried the Trabuco Hills offense, rushing for 152 yards in 28 carries, which accounted for more than half of the Mustangs’ total offense.