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Damian Calhoun. Sports Newsroom Assistant.

// MORE INFORMATION: Associate Mug Shot taken August 24, 2010 : by KATE LUCAS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

COSTA MESA – The keys to the Orange Lutheran offense this season are in the hands of junior quarterback L.j. Northington and for at least one night, the ride was smooth.

Northington, who started one game last season, completed nine of 11 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 37 yards to lead the fourth-ranked Lancers to a 33-7 victory over Dominguez of Compton in Friday night’s season opener at Orange Coast College.

“He certainly played well tonight,” Orange Lutheran coach Chuck Petersen said. “The thing I ask him to do is be a great leader, take care of the football and be a decision-maker. All of that was great. He was really efficient in the throwing game and he took what he needed in the running game … really, it was a solid first start for all of us.”

Northington completed his first six passes, including a 38-yard touchdown pass to Hudson Hankins to open the scoring in the first quarter.

“I think I did OK,” Northington said. “There are always things you can improve on. I didn’t get to be out there much.

Northington was replaced by Michael Noble late in the third quarter.

The Lancers offense received contributions from a number of players. J.D. PicKell had a 37-yard touchdown run and added a 21-yard touchdown reception.

Dominik Austin had a 4-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and Elijah Bynum added the final blow with his 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to start the third quarter. Bynum’s run gave the Lancers a 33-0 lead.

Petersen was impressed with the way all of the newcomers played in their first opportunity under the lights in a varsity football game.

“We’re replacing four upfront (on the offensive line) and we had a bunch that really hadn’t played on Friday night,” Petersen said. “It was a clean game. Three penalties and didn’t turn the ball over and I was pleased that it was such a clean game.”

Dominguez finally got on the board late in the fourth quarter on Henry Williams’ 6-yard touchdown.

“I think we’re going to be a work in progress,” Petersen said. “We’re hopefully not as good tonight as we’ll be down the road. Certainly we know we have to play better as we move forward. It is a young team that I think every week will start to develop, and that’s what I’m looking forward to.”

The Lancers (1-0) face highly regarded Centennial of Corona next Saturday at Oceanside High.

Dominguez finished last season 8-4.

Contact the writer: dcalhoun@ocregister.com