Maciel, Westminster grab 3rd consecutive league title

Bill Derleth of Ocean View cheers on her team at the start of Friday night's football against Westminster at Ocean View.
Westminster's Matt Dinh tries to shed the tackle of Ocean View's Kevin Martinez on Friday night at Ocean View.
The Westminster football team takes the field before Friday night's game against host Ocean View.
Westminster's Humberto Maciel runs the ball in for the first touchdown of the game during the first quarter of Friday night's game against host Ocean View. Westminster won to wrap up the Golden West League title.
The Ocean View football team takes the field befire Friday night's game against Westminster with Chandler Willis, left, and Blake Meyer holding the flags.
Ocean View's Cory Tocchetti, left, and Westminster's Thomas Nguyen dive for a pass intended for Ocean View during the second quarter Friday night at Ocean View. Pass interference was called on the play.
Ocean View fans cheer for their team during kickoff of Friday night's football game against visiting Westminster.
Ocean View's Greg Tocchetti takes the ball in for a touchdown against Westminster in the second quarter of Friday night's game at Ocean View.
Callie Foster of Ocean View cheer, front spins around after her team scored the extra point during a football game against Westminster at Ocean View.
Westminster's Alejandro Reyes dives with the ball after catching a pass as Ocean View's Rachson Anwell defends him during the last few seconds of the first half Friday night at Ocean View.
Alyssa Contreras of Westminster cheer stands tall to get the crowd going during Friday night's football game at Ocean View.
Westminster's Humberto Maciel kicks an extra point against Ocean View with a ball held by Josh Pedraza during the first quarter Friday night at Ocean View.
Ocean View's Hector Calderon holds onto the ball for a first down as Westminster's Jorge Guevara takes him down during the second quarter of Friday night's game at Ocean View.
Westminster's Humberto Maciel takes the ball to the 19-yard line for a first down during the first quarter of Friday night's game at Ocean View.
Ocean View's Tyler Clay takes the ball to the 11-yard line for a first down during the first quarter Friday night against Westminster at Ocean View.

By John Scafetta | Orange County Register

November 8, 2014 at 12:04 a.m.

HUNTINGTON BEACH – A league title is nothing new for Westminster’s Humberto Maciel.

“I don’t know anything different,” the running back said Friday night after his team locked up its third consecutive Golden West League title with a 24-7 victory over host Ocean View. “We’re a different team this year with a whole new game plan and new goals.”

After Maciel ran for two touchdowns and a timely Westminster defense denied Ocean View, it’s evident the Lions’ game plan rests squarely on the senior’s strength.

Maciel led Westminster’s charge with 176 yards on 24 carries, including five runs that went for 10 yards or more and several that included solid second efforts.

“The offensive line put in work,” Maciel said. “Without them I’m nothing.”

With the victory, the Lions also secured a home game for the first round of the CIF-SS Southern Division playoffs. Ocean View earned an automatic playoff bid, finishing second in league.

Westminster (8-2, 5-0) overcame a fumble on its second play from scrimmage to showcase a powerful running attack.

After the Lions’ defense forced Ocean View to punt on three consecutive possessions, the Westminster offense finally broke through late in the first quarter. Matt Dinh’s 36-yard quarterback keeper up the middle on the second play of the drive set up Maciel’s 10-yard counter into the end zone. The three-play drive took just 51 seconds and gave Westminster a 7-0 lead.

Ocean View (7-3, 4-1) was quick to respond on its ensuing possession. The Seahawks marched 76 yards on eight plays, and Blake Meyer connected with Greg Tocchetti on a 10-yard scoring pass to tie the game.

Westminster added a 25-yard Maciel field goal to regain the lead with 6:49 left in the second quarter, and after Ocean View missed a 44-yard field-goal attempt with less than two minutes remaining in the half, Westminster needed just two plays to find the end zone again. Lucas Goode located Dat Tran down the right sideline for a resounding 73-yard touchdown with 1:18 left that pushed the Lions’ lead to 17-7 before halftime.

Westminster’s defense forced six turnovers – including two interceptions in the second half – while limiting Ocean View to just 20 rushing yards in the first two quarters.

Maciel’s 8-yard TD run at the 9:40 mark of the fourth quarter capped Westminster’s surge. Maciel had powerful runs of 15 and 30 yards to set up the scoring scramble.