PREP FOOTBALL / SOUTH COUNTY ROUNDUP : Nikzad Leads Aliso Niguel Past Capistrano Valley

Iman Nikzad rushed for 167 yards in 31 carries and scored three touchdowns, including an 86-yard kickoff return, as Aliso Niguel defeated Capistrano Valley, 24-14, Thursday at Aliso Niguel.

“This was the best game I ever had,” Nikzad said. “The line opened huge holes all night long.”

Capistrano Valley led, 14-7, at the half, but Nikzad tied the score with his kickoff return to open the second half.

Aliso Niguel followed with a 17-play drive that took nearly eight minutes off the clock, but the drive stalled and Steven Berneking’s 36-yard field goal hit the upright.

The Wolverines got the ball back two plays later when Capistrano Valley quarterback Jeff Dixon fumbled at the Cougar 18 during a scramble. Berneking took advantage and made a 25-yard field goal with 6 minutes 25 seconds remaining in the game.