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Capistrano Valley scrambles to defeat El Toro, 21-17

MISSION VIEJO – Although it took the offense awhile to start clicking, Capistrano Valley managed to come from behind at home and notch a nonleague victory over rival El Toro, 21-17, on Friday night.

Neither team came out with its offensive engine revving, but El Toro took a slim lead into halftime. The second half was where the game was made.

After a number of dropped passes in the first half and numerous three-and-outs, the Cougars settled down and worked out their kinks.

Quarterback Brandon Brennan’s final stat line was far from flawless, but his clutch passes and scrambling ability kept Capistrano Valley in the game. On several plays, Brennan managed to avoid what appeared to be certain sacks and turn a few into significant gains.

“Brandon did a great job just leading that team down the field,” Coach Chi Chi Biehn said. “He’s only a junior, he was a tight end last year, so he’s making some big strides and we’re real happy about that.”

In situations where the offense couldn’t come through, the Cougars defense kept the Chargers' offense at bay. Capistrano Valley pulled down the quarterback on eight separate occasions, three of which were credited to junior Justin Alewine.

“I’ve had to put so many guys in and out that we’re not establishing the sync that we have to have,” Cunningham said.

Contact the writer: preps@ocregister.com