HUNTINGTON BEACH – Brethren Christian used five first-half takeaways and an effective running game to spark an early lead and an eventual 42-33 victory over Capistrano Valley Christian Saturday night at Ocean View High.
The Warriors (4-0) were led by running back Jordan Leonard, who rushed for 272 yards on 26 carries and three touchdowns. Leonard was constantly taking advantage of gaping holes downfield thanks to great blocking from his offensive line.
Brethren Christian ran for 372 yards on its way to 479 yards in total offense.
Eagles quarterback Dawson Piper was picked off on his first pass attempt, and that was a precursor to how his night would go. The Brethren Christian defense recorded four interceptions during the game with two of those going to Nathan Sagastume.
The Warriors jumped out to an early 14-0 in the first quarter as Sagastume caught a 17-yard pass from Bobbie Conklin while Leonard added a 43-yard TD run with 0:24 seconds left in the opening frame.
CVC hurt their own cause in the first quarter by committing four turnovers while falling behind by a pair of touchdowns.
The Eagles (2-2) would respond in the second quarter when Ben Sukut caught a 35-yard TD pass from Dawson Piper to cut the Brethren advantage in half 14-7 with 6:37 left in the half.
Leonard would break loose for a 63-yard scoring run to give Brethren Christian a 21-7 lead, but CVC scored right before halftime on a 10-yard run by KCI Thompson but miss the extra point for a 21-13 score at intermission.
Conklin threw for 107 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter that sealed the win for Brethren Christian.
Sukut finished with seven catches and 126 yards receiving and two touchdowns for the Eagles while Piper threw for 289 yards.