SAN CLEMENTE – Clearly, a week off didn’t hinder San Clemente quarterback Jack Sears’ timing with his receivers.
The junior had everything working, accounting for all seven of San Clemente’s first-half scores as the Tritons breezed past Laguna Hills, 59-0, Friday in a Sea View League game at San Clemente High.
Sears completed 17 of 21 passes for 247 yards and five touchdowns. He ran the ball just twice, resulting in 45- and 30-yard TDs.
“He’s a dynamic player, he’s made some big plays running and throwing the ball,” Tritons coach Jaime Ortiz said. “I think there’s a reason a lot of Division I schools are after him.”
San Clemente’s starting defense held the Hawks to 47 yards of offense in the first half. Liam Buhl set the tone, forcing a fumble on the Hawks’ first play from scrimmage, but the Hawks retained possession as the ball trickled out of bounds.
On the Tritons’ opening series, Sears capped a five-play drive with his first of two passing TDs to Fotheringham. After the Hawks’ three-and-out, he hit receiver Keith Jones, who slipped a tackle and raced for a 51-yard score.
Sears added a 45-yard run and a 19-yard scoring pass to Chase Berman as the Tritons led 28-0 after the first quarter.
The quarterback was far from done, adding a 30-yard TD run to go with two more passing TDs as San Clemente pulled away to a 49-0 lead at halftime.
Laguna Hills quarterback Mitchell O’Hair completed six of 14 passes for 47 yards. He was intercepted by Tritons defensive back Andrew Frohner, which led to Sears’ second rushing TD.
The Hawks (5-3, 1-2) did find some success in the second half and reached the Tritons’ 4-yard line in the fourth quarter, but O’Hair was stopped on fourth down at the 2-yard line.
The Tritons’ win sets up a showdown with Trabuco Hills next week. The Mustangs defeated Capistrano Valley, 48-14, Friday night.
“I think we’re all excited to play Trabuco. We have a little edge going in because of what happened last year,” Fotheringham said.
Nick Barrett led the rushing attack with 44 yards on five carries. Chandler France added 36 yards on 12 carries.
Contact the writer: npercy@ocregister.com
