QB Curtis leads San Clemente past El Toro

SAN CLEMENTE- Looking like a team poised for an upset, El Toro led by 7 after the first quarter against San Clemente. But the Tritons scored four touchdowns before halftime and took control of the game.

The surge lifted No. 9 San Clemente over the Chargers, 35-14, in a nonleague game Friday night at San Clemente High.

"We played well at times and El Toro played well at times," San Clemente coach Eric Patton said. "Number 5 (Jai Morris) is a fine player. We knew they would get some points."

El Toro's first possession started on its 20 after Shawn Priester recovered a fumble in the end zone to end a long Tritons' drive. Aaron Grey capped El Toro's drive with a 27-yard touchdown run and the Chargers (2-2) led, 7-0.

San Clemente (4-1) tied it at 7 on its following drive when quarterback Brad Curtis found Matt Belardes for a 1-yard score. It was one of three touchdown passes in the quarter for Curtis, who also scored on a 15-yard scramble that put the Tritons ahead, 28-7.

El Toro converted the second half's first possession when Morris scored from 1 yard out, cutting its deficit to 28-14. The play was set up by Morris' 32-yard run.

San Clemente's final touchdown came off a trick play. Curtis handed off to Ben Gomez, who then threw a 45-yard strike to Belardes for his second touchdown.

Contact the writer: ctobolski@ocregister.com