MISSION VIEJO – JSerra coach Jim Hartigan’s philosophy when it comes to replacing key players is quite simple.
The next man up better be prepared.
Running back Avery Williams took no time at all Friday to heed that message.
JSerra, powered by Williams’ four touchdowns, roared past Long Beach Cabrillo, 48-13, in a season-opening, nonleague meeting at Saddleback College. The eighth-ranked Lions (1-0) racked up 266 yards of offense in the first half to silence the Jaguars (0-1).
“Avery had a good performance in our scrimmage last week and another one tonight,” Hartigan said. “I think he’s going to be a guy who can do a great job for us on a consistent basis.”
Williams, a transfer from St. Francis of La Canada, rushed for 116 yards in the first half on just five carries. The shifty junior had scoring runs of 11, 48 and 27 yards.
“It feels great just to know that your hard work pays off,” Williams said. “I don’t really look at who was here before me. I’m just here to get my job done.”
Williams is taking over in the backfield for Edward Vander, who rushed for 1,388 yards and 22 touchdowns last season as a junior for JSerra but transferred to Paramount.
The Lions used a 21-yard pass play from quarterback Riley O’Brien on their first possession to stage Williams’ 11-yard run into the end zone.
Following a quick three-and-out on Cabrillo’s first possession, Williams, handling punt return duties, retrieved a hanging kick at the JSerra 33 and raced downfield untouched for a 67-yard score.
Nathan Bowman and Rian Fields each had an interception for the Lions in the first half, and both led to scoring drives. Williams’ 48-yard bolt cushioned JSerra’s lead at 21-0 on the first play of the Lions’ second possession.JSerra scored on all five possessions of the first two quarters and led 42-0 at halftime.
“It’s obvious that we want to establish the run, particularly early on in the season,” Hartigan said.
