Ocean View Looks Like the Real Thing

A thick fog rolled in on Laguna Beach High before kickoff Friday, and while it had fans struggling to see the players throughout the game, one thing was perfectly clear.

Ocean View is for real.

The Seahawks, who haven’t won as many as four games in a season since 1990, made it four-for-four this year with another impressive showing Friday night, this time a 46-12 victory over previously unbeaten Laguna Beach.

Ocean View averaged 43.6 points in its first three games, and put up 46 against a defensive unit that was giving up just 5.7.

“I think we’re real good,” said quarterback Deshai Houston. “I’m not saying we’re the best, but we’re a good team.”

Good, and explosive.

Despite the fog, Houston completed 22 of 34 passes, including his first nine, for 230 yards and three touchdowns.

“I think the receivers saw better through the fog,” Houston said. “They were more focused.”

The three touchdown passes gave him 17 in four games, against only three interceptions.

Every time Laguna Beach appeared to swing momentum its way, the Seahawks answered. After Pat Chesley cut the Artists’ deficit to 16-6 with a 69-yard run with 11 seconds left in the first half, Ocean View scored less than two minutes into the third quarter.

A low snap on Chesley’s punt attempt left the Seahawks’ Chris Hill holding the ball at the Laguna Beach three-yard line. First play, Houston tossed to Luka Levu (10 catches, 106 yards), and the duo hooked up again for a two-point conversion and a 24-6 lead.

Laguna Beach, playing without starting quarterback Ryan Schissler (bruised thigh), came back to score on its next series with a three-yard run from Chesley (22 carries, 172 yards).

Ocean View answered again, scoring in two plays. Jason Rhoads dashed 69 yards to the two, then ran in on a sweep left for a 32-12 lead.

It was all part of a 30-point quarter for Ocean View.

Levu caught touchdown passes of one and three yards. Rhoads carried 12 times for 117 yards, scoring twice from the two.

Erick Falessi scored on Ocean View’s opening drive from six yards, and Brett Crevda caught a seven-yard pass from Houston.

Laguna Beach (3-1) was trying to win four games for the first time since 1987. Ocean View (4-0) has its best record since 1990, when it finished 5-4-1.

The Artists represented Ocean View’s stiffest test so far.

“I feel this will be a big boost,” said Houston. “I think for Monday’s practice, we’ll be fired up, looking to go to 5-0.”