SAN CLEMENTE – San Clemente running backs Vlad Dzhabiyev and Brandon Reaves have been tabbed by the program as “Thunder” and “Lightning” for their complementary running styles.
The two stormed the Capistrano Valley defense Friday night, scoring six touchdowns in a 54-27 win in the Sea View League opener for both schools at San Clemente High.
Dzhabiyev led the way with 142 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries and one receiving touchdown. Reaves ran for 95 yards and two scores.
“The offensive line did a good job,” Tritons coach Jaime Ortiz said. “We take pride in running the ball and both guys are very effective in doing that.”
The two took heat off quarterback Sam Darnold, who saw consistent pressure from the Cougars (5-2, 0-1).
“The kids knew that the first six games were great, but to win that first league game puts us in a good position moving forward,” Ortiz said.
Capistrano Valley’s defense looked strong to start, sacking Darnold twice on the Tritons’ opening possession.
San Clemente (6-1, 1-0) put its trust in Dzhabiyev and Reaves and it paid off.
Dzhabiyev scored two of San Clemente’s first three touchdowns on a 7-yard run and a 2-yard reception.
The Tritons added a safety after Cougars’ quarterback Gavin Pruett was flagged for intentional grounding from his own end zone to make it 23-0.
However, Capistrano Valley‘s Matt Griu intercepted Darnold on San Clemente’s ensuing possession, which led to a 22-yard touchdown reception by Adam Gordon.
Dzhabiyev added a one-yard plunge and Chase Berman kicked a 36-yard field goal to give San Clemente a 33-6 lead at halftime.
Cougars‘ running back Jordan Bocko scored on touchdown runs of 4, 2 and 3 yards in the second half, but Whimpey iced the game with an 82-yard interception return for a touchdown for a 54-20 lead.
Contact the writer: npercy@ocregister.com
