COSTA MESA – Estancia overcame an unpleasant start and won “The Battle for the Bell,” 28-3, over Costa Mesa on Friday night at Estancia High.
Both Estancia (5-2, 2-0 Orange Coast) and Costa Mesa (1-6, 1-1) opened with rocky drives that resulted in lost fumbles. After a Mustangs punt, the Eagles scored a 26-yard touchdown on the ground courtesy of junior quarterback Connor Brown.
Brown struggled in the passing game, completing less than 50 percent of his passes, tossing up an interception and throwing six incomplete passes in a row. Picking up the slack was sophomore speedster Dylan Laurent. With 3:01 remaining in the second quarter, Laurent bolted 29 yards for a touchdown.
Laurent proved to be a highlight reel on the ground running for two more scores, including a 79-yard rush to put the game out of reach. Laurent had 191 yards. Brown finished with 161 total yards and was successful on a 2-point conversion pass. His prime target, Devon Jackson, hauled in four catches for 96 yards.
Costa Mesa rushed for only 158 yards and was in scoring position just twice. Mustangs kicker Cameron Curet attempted a field goal in each instance, missing a 35-yard try and nailing one from 36 yards.
Injuries played a key role in Costa Mesa’s struggles with leading rushers junior Mason Mataafa (64 yards) and junior Sam Swanson (47 yards) exiting the game.
