BUENA PARK – Buena Park and Troy have exchanged the last three Freeway League silver medals.
The chasm between La Habra and its leaguemates is shrinking, yes, but it’ll exist until someone knocks the Highlanders off their throne.
The way Buena Park looks right now, its time is fast approaching.
Quarterback Zach Taylor completed 25 of 34 passes for 370 yards and running back Marcus Loudon scored on two short runs as the Coyotes defeated Troy, 41-19, Friday at Buena Park High.
“We know we have to be perfect every snap,” Buena Park coach Anthony White said. “Our attitude, our effort has to be there always. That La Habra game improved us as a program, not just a team.”
Buena Park receiver Jaylinn Hawkins finished with 14 receptions for 149 yards and two scores, sitting in soft zones and running freely past defensive backs and safeties on plays extended by Taylor’s ability to scramble.
Asked how Taylor’s mobility opens the playbook, Buena Park offensive coordinator Jude Oliva said, “Tremendously. Since he’s a dual-threat quarterback, it puts pressure on the defense to account for him because he can run the football.”
Troy (6-2, 2-1) played without top defensive back Dominic Vaccher, yet its defense gamely held Buena Park (7-1, 2-1) to 14 points in the first half and trailed 14-13.
Taylor had a hand in three of four third-quarter touchdowns, hitting Hawkins and Max Rivera with long passes before scoring himself on an 11-yard run.
Taylor said throwing to his teammates was “a blast,” adding “there’s so much talent around me.”
“It’s all about trust,” White said. “Our kids, our coaching staff. If you get the ball to everybody, you can’t key on anybody. That’s our philosophy. Our players are great people, too, and it’s easy to trust great people.”
Buena Park scored early on a 20-yard catch by Hawkins.
Troy quarterback Thomas Becerra capped the ensuing possession with a 10-yard TD pass to Ryan Scotti.
A short TD run by Loudon was matched by Matt Macias’ 75-yard kickoff return for a TD.
Scotti finished with 10 receptions for 153 yards and two touchdowns.
Contact the writer: bwhitehead@ocregister.com
