Fountain Valley Can’t Overcome Blocked Punts

Juniors Charles Smith and Nick Hannon combined for three blocked punts to lead Corona Centennial to a 31-17 victory over Fountain Valley Friday night at Centennial High.

The Barons took an early lead when junior safety Micheal Kotler recovered a fumble on the Huskies’ opening drive and ran it back 15 yards for a touchdown.

Centennial responded with a 23-yard screen pass from Lamar Broadway to Smith for a touchdown.

Fountain Valley regained the lead with a 43-yard field goal by senior Matt Hanson.

Junior Bernard Fano led the Baron defense with three sacks.

“The three blocked punts hurt us,” Fountain Valley Coach Eric Johnson said. “We made too many mistakes.”

Junior running back Mike Bass had 16 carries for 177 yards and two touchdowns for Centennial.

Fountain Valley junior Nedal Abdelmuti had 17 carries for 97 yards and three receptions for 32 yards.

“We just have to rebound,” Baron Coach Eric Johnson said. “It’s [early] and we need to work the kinks out.”