Artists Are Trampled by Jensen, The Bishop’s

Laguna Beach didn’t enjoy the best of visits to this scenic seaside community Saturday night.

The Artists saw too much of Steve Jensen, who ran for 222 yards and three touchdowns to lead La Jolla The Bishop’s to a 31-3 victory at La Jolla High.

Jensen, who carried 37 times, entered the game with an average of 246 yards rushing per game this season, best in San Diego County.

Laguna Beach (1-4) trailed, 14-0, at halftime against the Knights (3-1), who reached the San Diego Section Division IV title game last season.

The Artists’ Todd Merz completed seven of 22 passes for 107 yards with three interceptions and was sacked six times. Will Blodgett had four receptions for 99 yards.

Merz kicked a 27-yard field goal with 7:24 left in the third quarter for Laguna Beach’s only points. The Knights answered with a one-yard touchdown run by Jensen for a 21-3 lead on their next possession.

John Schwartz returned the first of his two interceptions eight yards to the Artist 18 to set up a three-yard touchdown run by Jensen for a 14-0 lead 3:57 before halftime.

Jensen’s six-yard touchdown run put The Bishop’s ahead to stay on the game’s opening drive.