La Habra still defensive as it wins 'Battle at the Beach'

Click here to see photos from the "Battle at the Beach."

A strong defense helped La Habra win three consecutive CIF-SS titles.

Saturday, the Highlanders' defense also paved the way to the title of the "Battle at the Beach" passing tournament at Edison High.

With a 25-24 lead, La Habra safety Anthony Baca broke up the potential game-winning two-point conversion pass from Centennial of Corona quarterback Michael Eubank.

Baca’s play preserved the title and a perfect 6-0 day for La Habra in the final showcase passing tournament of the summer.

“It was a great team effort, all around,” La Habra quarterback Cody Clements said. “Defense stepped up big and receivers made all of the plays.

“We kept a high tempo the whole time. We never slacked off and always hustled."

La Habra went 3-0 in pool play, defeating Mater Dei (31-25), South Hills of West Covina (21-20) and Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks.

The Highlanders defeated Oaks Christian of Westlake Village in the quarterfinals and Valencia of Valencia in the semifinals.

“It was very impressive,” La Habra coach Frank Mazzotta said of his team’s performance. “It was fun. Every year we’ve come out here, we’ve had fun. It doesn’t matter if we’ve won or not, because we’ve lost the previous two years. The kids competed.”

It also didn’t hurt to have Clements, who committed to Washington State on Friday, directing the offense.

“I think a lot of those colleges (who passed on him) made a mistake,” Mazzotta said. “He’s definitely a player.

“He threw 29 touchdowns last year and only five picks (interceptions) … and guys are getting scholarships that threw 14 touchdowns passes. That doesn’t make sense to me. I think Washington State is getting a gem in that guy.”

Clements connected with wide receivers Jake Neely, Mark Yackey and Jordan Salo throughout the afternoon session. A final strike to Yackey late against Centennial proved to be the winner.

La Habra played without Brett Bartolone, who sat out the afternoon session, after he aggravated an earlier injury to his clavicle.

The road to the finals nearly took a detour for the Highlanders.

In the semifinals, Valencia of Valencia quarterback Alex Bishop connected with Matt Nyberg with what appeared to be the winning touchdown.

However, the officials ruled that Bishop held the ball for longer than the allowed 3.5 seconds, nullifying the score.

MATER DEI DENIED

Mater Dei opened the summer passing league season by winning the Air Strike Tournament, hosted by Dana Hills, on June 11.

The Monarchs didn’t have the same success Saturday.

Mater Dei opened the day by losing its first two games in pool play (La Habra and Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks) before defeating South Hills of West Covina to advance to the Gold Division quarterfinals.

The Monarchs were quickly eliminated by Los Alamitos, 21-12.

Mater Dei coach Bruce Rollinson summed up the day: “It was interesting. We hit a valley a week ago and this was an opportunity to get back rolling, but it wasn’t a good day.

“We had ample opportunities in every game. I saw spurts, but not the consistency of our playmakers. We’re going reevaluate after this, but it is still summer.”

Mater Dei trailed 14-0 to Los Alamitos and failed to scored on its first three possessions. Max Wittek threw a touchdown strike to Josh Cook to get Mater Dei on the board, 14-6.

Dylan Lagarde increased Los Alamitos’ lead to 21-6, with a touchdown pass to Nick Richardson.

TESORO WINS SILVER DIVISION TITLE

Tesoro concluded its day with a victory over Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks in the Silver Division final.

The Titans, led by sophomore quarterback Matt Adam, struggled in the morning session, but ended the day strong.

“We rallied after lunch,” Tesoro coach Brian Barnes said. “We probably played as good as anybody in the tournament in our three games after noon. …we’re young, but I’m excited.”

Barnes said that Kyle Woolbright continued to make big plays, as did Brandon Cody. He also credited the performance of the defense.

One name to remember: Tanner Lancona. Lancona, is a 6-6 sophomore wide receiver. Barnes said in three years, Lancona will be able to pick the college he wants to attend.