San Clemente overwhelms Capo Valley

Capistrano Valley's Noah Valdez is surrounded by a sea of San Clemente defenders along the San Clemente sidelines on a completed pass play during Friday's game at Capistrano Valley High.
San Clemente cheerleaders ham it up for a photo before Friday's game against host Capistrano Valley.
Capistrano Valley's Tyler Waggoner runs the ball as San Clemente defenders Vlad Dzhabivev and Ryan Russell attempt the tackle on a handoff play midway through the first quarter of Friday's game at Capistrano Valley High.
San Clemente ball boys Trey Batson, 11, of San Clemente, and James Diaz, 11, of San Juan Capistrano get in some rushing practice before Friday's game against host Capistrano Valley.
A lone San Clemente defender attempts to get through the Capistrano Valley line as quarterback Kevin Brown looks for the pass during Friday's game at Capistrano Valley High.
A Capistrano Valley Marching Band tuba player keeps the beat for the National Anthem before Friday's game against San Clemente at Capistrano Valley High.
San Clemente's Vlad Dzhabiyev attempts to free himself from the grasp of Capistrano Valley defender Devin Jenkins on a pass play during Friday's game at Capistrano Valley High.
Capistrano Valley takes the field for Friday's game against visiting San Clemente.
Capistrano Valley's Garrett Clover is taken down by a San Clemente defender on a short lateral pass play during Friday's game at Capistrano Valley High.
Capistrano Valley's Tyler Waggoner attempts to push through the San Clemente line during Friday's game at Capistrano Valley High.
Capistrano Valley fans came out all in pink in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month for Friday's game against visiting San Clemente.
Capistrano Valley's Tyler Waggoner is taken out of bounds on a tackle by San Clemente's Kevin Kling after catching a pass during Friday's game at Capistrano Valley High.
Capistrano Valley fans came out all in pink in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month for Friday's game against visiting San Clemente.
San Clemente quarterback Jack Sears looks to throw downfield during the first half of Friday's game against host Capistrano Valley.
Capistrano Valley's youngest fans Luke Bucher, 20 months, and Jackson Gustafson, 19 months, have a game of their own going during Friday's game against visiting San Clemente.

By Nathan Percy | Orange County Register

October 9, 2015 at 11:25 p.m.

MISSION VIEJO – Quick- strike offense and a strong defensive front were good enough to propel San Clemente to a 42-6 victory over Capistrano Valley in the teams’ Sea View League opener Friday at Capistrano Valley High.

Despite employing just three down linemen, the Tritons disguised pressure from one of its four linebackers all night. Defensive end Liam Buhl was the benefactor, recording five sacks for 22 yards as Cougars quarterback Kevin Brown faced pressure during most of his drop backs.

“Bringing some pressure on the ends made a difference,” Jaime Ortiz said. “Liam had a heck of a game. It was good to see that defense get pressure and play well.”

Offensively, San Clemente (5-2, 1-0) used the defensive momentum for quick touchdowns. Three of the Tritons’ six TD drives were two plays or less.

But despite the lopsided win, Ortiz said there are still improvements to be made. The Tritons, who have a bye next week, fumbled the ball away twice and the offense sputtered in the second quarter.

“We had too many penalties, mistakes and a couple turnovers,” Ortiz said. “Our kids learned that we have to play cleaner than that. Every game in league will be competitive.”

Brandon Reaves capped San Clemente opening possession with a 2-yard rushing touchdown. After a fumble recovery by Isaac Rex on the Cougars’ third play from scrimmage, Jack Sears hit Liam Eldridge for a 50-yard score, one of two long TDs for Eldridge.

Midway through the second quarter, a 66-yard punt return by Reaves set up a 13-yard score by Vlad Dzhabiyev. Reaves’ second TD, a 4-yard run, made it 28-0 at hlaftime.

Tritons defensive back Andrew Frohner intercepted a tipped pass on the Cougars’ opening drive of the second half, which led to Whitsett’s 14-yard score. Sears hit Eldridge later in the quarter to cap the Tritons’ scoring.

Capistrano Valley running back Tyler Waggoner gained 64 yards on 13 carreis. His 21-yard touchdown run put the Cougars (4-3, 0-1) on the board in the third quarter.

Brown finished 16-of-30 passing for 137 yards.

Contact the writer: npercy@ocregister.com