YORBA LINDA – What a difference a season can make.
After going winless in league play last season, Fairmont Prep won its San Joaquin League opener Thursday night, knocking off Capistrano Valley Christian, 42-13, at Yorba Linda High.
The Huskies were led by versatile senior Kiki Mendoza, who finished with 162 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Mendoza was also a factor on defense with an interception and a fumble recovery.
Ramsey Glover also added a pair of touchdowns for Fairmont (4-2, 1-0) as they won their first San Joaquin league game since they defeated Southlands Christian, 39-22, on Sept. 20, 2014.
Mendoza recovered a fumble by Capo Valley Christian (2-4, 0-1) on the opening kickoff to start game, and Fairmont took over at the Eagles 27-yard line. Glover scored a 2-yard touchdown run seven plays later to give the Huskies a 7-0 lead.
Mendoza made the score 14-0 with a 60-yard run late in the first quarter as he took a handoff to the right side of the field and cut back to the left en route to the end zone.
Kevin Karam’s 13-yard TD catch gave the Huskies a 21-0 advantage as Darwyn Gines’ first completion of the game was to Karam.
Fairmont forced six turnovers as it was able to race out to a substantial lead as CVC struggled to keep possession of the football all night.
Midway through the third quarter, Glover made a 24-yard catch in the back of the end zone that extended Fairmont’s lead to 28-6.
Nolan Kahal ran for 118 and one score, and Eagles quarterback Dawson Piper threw for 133 yards.
CVC won last year’s contest, 36-20, but the Huskies avenged that defeat and look to continue their promising league start next week when they take on Saddleback Valley Christian Friday.