ALISO VIEJO – Aliso Niguel held off Pacifica for a 25-23 nonleague victory Friday night at Aliso Niguel High that brought an end to the Wolverines’ three-game losing streak.
The game started with a flurry of big touchdown plays; Aliso (2-3) got the action started with 25- and 59-yard touchdown passes from quarterback Nick Chapman. Pacifica (1-4) scored its first touchdown with an 88-yard touchdown return by Tireke Benjamin.
Midway through the fourth quarter, Pacifica looked to possibly mount a comeback from down two touchdowns, recovering a blocked punt on Aliso’s 1-yard line. Aliso however ended up recovering a mishandled ball, crushing the comeback opportunity.
Pacifica attempted to use a run-heavy offence until its last two possessions, but Aliso’s front seven always seemed to be in the right place to plug up any available holes.
The secondary of Aliso was strong, forcing three interceptions. One was returned for 56 yards leading to the first touchdown of the game.
Despite being down going into the fourth by two touchdowns, Pacifica showed heart. Their defense was able to make some key stops and their offense capitalized on some big plays, both of which ultimately kept the team in the game.
