Costa Mesa continues its march toward title

COSTA MESA - Three down, one to go.

After losing its first five games of the season, Costa Mesa picked a marvelous time to turn things around with the start of Orange Coast League play.

While being outgained by visiting Calvary Chapel on Saturday night, the Mustangs forced five turnovers and remained unbeaten in league play with a 35-7 victory at Estancia High. (Full game stats.)

Costa Mesa (4-5, 3-0) needs just a victory over Laguna Beach in the season finale to clinch the league title. Calvary Chapel (2-6, 0-2) lost its fifth in a row.

After a scoreless first quarter, a John Galvinfumble recovery at the Eagles 15 set up a 1-yard run by Brian Waldron.

Galvin later had an interception for the Mustangs, one of three on the night for the team.

After a turnover on downs, the Mustangs went 69 yards in five plays, capped by a 40-yard touchdown run by Antwan Byrd, who led Costa Mesa with 109 yards rushing.

Three plays into the ensuing Eagles drive, Jeff Dye picked off a Kevin Schick pass and returned it 43 yards for the score for a 22-0 lead at the half.

Galvin had his second bright spot of the night, returning the opening kickoff 83 yards to the end zone. Travis Sheffner added a 2-yard scoring run for the Mustangs.

Calvary Chapel, which outgained Costa Mesa, 217-202, got on the board on Scott Matsuda’s 3-yard run with 4:35 left.

It capped an eight-play, 52-yard drive.

Matsuda paced the Eagles attack with 135 rushing yards.

• Click here for full game stats and links to season totals and team rosters.

Contact the writer: preps@ocregister.com