ORANGE – Blake Meyer’s touchdown on a fourth-down quarterback sneak capped a wild fourth quarter, as Ocean View squeaked past Orange, 22-21, Thursday night in a Golden West league opener for both teams at El Modena High.
For most of the night, Meyer’s arm carried the Seahawks (4-2, 1-0). He completed 13 of his 21 passes for 296 yards, including a majestic 68-yard bomb over the top of the defense to Tyler Clay that gave Ocean View a 16-14 lead with 7:29 remaining.
Orange had the answer. Facing third-and-6 from its 24, Andrew Martinez bobbled and then caught Brandon Warren’s pass for a 24-yard gain. Three plays later, the Panthers (1-5, 0-1) were in the end zone on Johnny Sedano’s 3-yard run.
Meyer’s heroic moment came after Royce Starks stopped Miguel Cardoso at the Orange 1 to force fourth-and-goal. The Seahawks were trailing, 21-16. With the clock inside of two minutes and no timeouts remaining, Meyer got the call.
“I’m just glad Coach (Luis Nunez) trusted me with that,” Meyer said. “I just felt it this time, and I’m stoked we got it.”
Orange leaned on Ty Cole in the first half. He brought the Panthers even at 7 after breaking two tackles on a 55-yard rushing touchdown late in the first quarter. Cole finished with 143 rushing yards.
Meyer’s 65-yard pass to Cory Tocchetti set up Hector Calderon’s second-quarter field goal, allowing the Seahawks to go into the break with the lead, 10-7.
The Seahawks lost top running back Greg Tocchetti to a shoulder injury. Cardoso stepped in nicely.
“Miguel ran tough for us,” said Nunez. “Guys went out, next guy stepped up. That’s what we preach.”
