TUSTIN – University improved to 6-0 with a 35-10 league victory over Beckman at Tustin High on Friday night.
Beckman (2-4, 0-1) saw its losing streak reach three games.
The Trojans’ ground game spoiled Beckman’s homecoming game, totaling 299 yards, an average of 6.4 per carry.
The Patriots were down only 14-10 at the half. After sophomore cornerback Matt McLain intercepted the Trojans in the red zone early in the third, they had a chance to take the lead.
However, University junior defensive back Darrius Outland came up with an interception on the second play of Beckman’s drive. The Patriots’ momentum shifted back. The Trojans would score on the ensuing drive and control the game from that point on.
University had four ballcarriers with 45 or more rushing yards. The tone was set early when sophomore running back Alex Pourdanesh took the Trojans’ first play for a 66-yard carry. He finished the day with 118 yards.
Five-foot-five, 140-pound senior running back Matt Abellaneda punched it into the end zone three times.
In the fourth, Pourdanesh returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown for the final score.
Junior quarterback Dean Nagle led the Patriots with 182 yards on 20-for-29 passion and two interceptions. Beckman’s lone touchdown was run in by sophomore running back Jake Groves.
Senior Demitrius Goods blocked a field goal to end the first half and keep the Patriots close.
