Notre Dame Quicksteps Past Saugus

In the blink of an eye, Notre Dame High turned four big plays into decisive touchdowns Friday night en route to a 34-11 nonleague victory over Saugus at College of the Canyons.

There was an 88-yard touchdown run by fullback Miguel Armendariz, a 77-yard touchdown run by quarterback Phil Beckmann, a 26-yard touchdown reception by Michael Luderer and a 29-yard interception return for a touchdown by Louie Procopio.

Those kind of breakdowns left Saugus (1-2) feeling frustrated.

“They’re just very disciplined,” Coach Ron Hilton said of the Knights. “You don’t make mistakes against them. They make you pay pretty hard.”

Notre Dame has only five starters from last year’s team that reached the Southern Section Division III semifinals, but the Knights have filled holes with all-around athletes.

Nicholas Folk, a club soccer player, was six for six in kicking the ball out of the end zone on kickoffs.

Pete King, a hard-charging senior linebacker, recorded four tackles for losses.

Luderer, who’s never turned down a chance to launch a three-pointer on the basketball court, is finally learning that football might be his best sport. He’s a 6-3 receiver with excellent speed and big hands. He had five receptions for 118 yards and simply ran away from defenders on his touchdown.

“I think his potential is tremendous,” Coach Kevin Rooney said of Luderer. “We need to get him the ball as much as we can.”

Cornerback-receiver Jimmy Sharp of Notre Dame had a 73-yard punt return for a touchdown wiped out by a holding penalty.

Two new defensive linemen continue to make progress for the Knights (3-0). Sophomore tackle Alex Puccinelli and junior end Tim Volk helped prevent Saugus from gaining yardage with screens or option plays.

But the key player for Notre Dame is clearly Beckmann, a junior quarterback with speed and intelligence. He completed six of 11 passes for 133 yards and broke his long touchdown run on an option play in the fourth quarter. He started left, reversed field and sprinted down the right sideline for the 77-yard score.

“He’s a real smart player,” Rooney said. “He doesn’t throw interceptions. He doesn’t take sacks very often and he runs well.”

Notre Dame led, 14-0, at halftime. Armendariz scored on a nine-yard touchdown run with 3:14 left in the second quarter and a fumble recovery by Tom Curiel set up Luderer’s touchdown reception.

Playing well for Saugus was linebacker Jared DePaiva. “He gives you everything he’s got every play,” Hilton said.

CITY SECTION

David Koral of Palisades riddled Grant for a national-record 764 yards passing.

Page 11

FIELD REPORT

A look at results, how the top 10 fared and statistical leaders

Page 11

SOUTHERN SECTION

The combination of Erik Vose and Josh Jones keyed Chaminade to a victory over Alemany.

Page 12

VENTURA COUNTY

Loren Cerny of Camarillo had plenty of room to run in victory over Thousand Oaks.

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SUMMARIES

Scoring for each high school game in the region.

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GAME DAY

Cal State Northridge has a bye, but Cal Lutheran and junior college teams are in action.

Page 14