Sea Kings’ Hacker Cracks Costa Mesa

Corona del Mar running back Blake Hacker got off to a slow start Friday night against Costa Mesa at Orange Coast College, but once he shifted into gear, there was little the Mustangs could do to stop him.

Hacker gained 219 yards in 32 carries and scored two touchdowns as the Sea Kings beat Costa Mesa, 37-7, in the Pacific Coast League opener for both schools.

Hacker gained only three yards in his first four carries, but took over after that, scoring the Sea Kings’ first touchdown on a two-yard run late in the first quarter and Corona del Mar’s final touchdown on a one-yard run midway through the fourth quarter.

“It took a little time for me to get it going,” Hacker said. “But once my confidence was there, everything started working.”

Just about everything worked for Corona del Mar, which forced five Costa Mesa turnovers and held the Mustang rushing attack to 143 yards. Sea King cornerback Mark Cianciulli accounted for three of the turnovers, intercepting two passes and recovering a fumble.

The Sea Kings (3-3, 1-0) led 21-0 at halftime, and things didn’t get any better for Costa Mesa in the second half. After failing to get a first down on its first possession of the second half, Costa Mesa botched its punt attempt and Corona del Mar took over at the Mustang 21-yard line. Fullback Matt Cooper scored on a one-yard touchdown run four plays later to make it 28-0.

Costa Mesa (4-2, 0-1) avoided the shutout when quarterback Andrew Strickland hit running back Nick Cabico with a 27-yard touchdown pass with 42 seconds remaining in the game.

The win was Corona del Mar’s third in a row after starting 0-3, and Sea King Coach Dick Freeman was obviously pleased.

“I guess the tough early-season schedule is paying off now,” he said. “We played some good people and took our lumps, but our kids are coming together now.”

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PACIFIC COAST

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League Overall School W L T W L T Estancia 1 0 0 4 2 0 Corona del Mar 1 0 0 3 3 0 University 0 0 0 3 2 0 Laguna Beach 0 0 0 1 4 0 Costa Mesa 0 1 0 4 2 0 Northwood 0 1 0 2 4 0

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WEEK 6

Thursday’s result

* Estancia 41, Northwood 36

Friday’s results

* Corona del Mar 37, Costa Mesa 7

Today’s games

* Laguna Beach vs. University at Irvine HS, 7 p.m.

WEEK 7

Thursday, Oct. 19

Laguna Beach vs. Costa Mesa at Orange Coast College

Northwood vs. Corona del Mar at Newport Harbor HS

Friday, Oct. 20

University vs. Estancia at Orange Coast College