Fountain Valley’s Victory Leaves No One Smiling

It’s not often that one team overwhelms another and both coaches walk off the field unhappy.

But that describes the mood of coaches Eric Johnson and Larry Toner Saturday after Fountain Valley thrashed No. 3 Servite, 41-0, before an estimated 1,000 fans at Cal State Fullerton.

Certainly Johnson had more reasons to be pleased. His Barons ran over and away from the Friars all afternoon. Saturday’s total was one point more than Fountain Valley had scored in its first three games combined.

“We knew it was just a matter of time before the offense broke loose,” Johnson said. “Our backs are too good for us not to score.

That would include tailback Nedal Abdelmuti, who ran for 178 yards and four touchdowns in only eight carries. He had scoring runs of 80, 10 and 52 yards on his first three carries in the first quarter. Fullback Steven Fifita added 81 yards in nine carries, including a 57-yard touchdown run at the 9:28 mark of the third quarter.

But the Barons (3-1), including Abdelmuti, were guilty of foolish penalties that detracted significantly from what should have been the biggest victory of Johnson’s first season at Fountain Valley.

Twice Abdelmuti, a junior, was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after making taunting gestures during his touchdown runs. The second flag came two minutes into the third quarter as Abdelmuti completed a 24-yard touchdown romp. He was thrown out of the game.

“I didn’t think the second flag was right,” Abdelmuti said. “But I learned my lesson. From now on, just hand the ball back to the refs. I just hope I don’t have to sit out the next game [against Trabuco Hills].”

Several other Barons got caught up in chippy play as well. Fountain Valley was penalized 11 times for 120 yards. Among the infractions were four unsportsmanlike penalties, a facemask call while the Barons were on offense, and a personal foul.

“We definitely can’t keep having these kind of penalties with league getting ready to start,” said Johnson, who had some strong words for his team after meeting with the media.

Servite (3-2)--which has a bye next week--would appear to have bigger problems.

In losses to Fontana and Fountain Valley, the Friars’ defense has been exploited by speedy, physical running backs, exactly the type they will face regularly in the Serra League and the Southern Section Division I playoffs.

And it wasn’t just the defense at fault. The offense managed just 167 yards--to 418 for Fountain Valley--and never advanced past the Baron 36-yard line. The Friars lost a fumble at their 24 on the first play of the second half to set up Abdelmuti’s final touchdown.

Quarterback Adam Ernst completed only eight of 24 passes with two interceptions. The Barons also scored nine points as a result of two blocked punts. Bryan Dagulo returned one 15 yards for a touchdown with 1:29 left in the first half. The other block went out of the end zone for a safety.

“There are no silver linings today,” a somber Toner said.

“Obviously we had serious errors in a number of spots. Don’t take anything away from Fountain Valley; they came prepared to play today. But we also did our best to beat ourselves.”