No. 1 Edison finds a way past Los Alamitos

HUNTINGTON BEACH — Edison's offense didn't have one of its typical nights Friday, due in large part to Los Alamitos' defense.

But fortunately for Orange County's top-ranked team, its defense and special teams gave a spectacular showing in the Sunset League showdown at Huntington Beach.

The Chargers' defense and special teams scored three touchdowns to pave the way for a 27-10 victory against the No. 7 Griffins and set up an even bigger game next week.

Edison and Fountain Valley will each enter their "Battle for the Bell" game at Cal State Fullerton undefeated at 8-0 and 3-0 in the Sunset League.

"Special teams and defense won it," Edison coach Dave White said. "Obviously next week is the big one."

Edison linebacker Steven Malone returned a fumble 40 yards for a touchdown on a controversial play in the second quarter. In the third, defensive back Luke Eddy returned a blocked field goal 80 yards for a score on a play that must have reminded Edison's faithful of their victory against Servite. And in the fourth, defensive back Wade Houston recovered a fumble in the end zone for another score.

Los Alamitos (6-2, 1-2) led, 7-6, when Edison said Eddy knocked loose a quick out pass to a Griffins receiver near midfield. Malone scooped up the ball and scored to give Edison the lead for good with 8:15 left in the half. Los Alamitos coach John Barnes argued the play with an official and said after the game that his receiver told him that the pass from quarterback Dylan Lagarde bounced off him.

The Griffins got a 35-yard field goal by Dan Boyer with 1:22 left in the first half and had two consecutive field goal attempts that would have tied the score, 13-13, with 5:24 left in the third.

The first one was from 38 yards but Boyer's kick hit the inside of an upright and bounced out. On the play, Eddy said he tipped the ball on a block attempt but Edison was called for roughing.

Los Alamitos called time out and attempted a 33-yarder, but Jeff Trojan made a diving block that Eddy returned 80 yards for the score, giving Edison an 20-10 lead.

"It was a big momentum change," Eddy said. "That's a 10-point change."

In their victory against Servite, the Friars returned a blocked field goal for a score on a similar play.

"Those two plays were the difference," Barnes said of returns by Malone and Eddy.

Early in the fourth, Los Alamitos tried a pass back to the Lagarde on third-and-7 from its 7. Running back Nick Richardson threw back to the Long Beach Poly transfer but Houston stopped the play in the end zone and made the recovery as Edison took a 27-10 lead with 9:33 left.

The Chargers entered averaging about 33 points but were held to 123 yards. Behind Richardson's 124 yards on 36 carries, the Griffins often controlled the clock.

Los Alamitos opened the game with a 19-play, 79-yard scoring drive that lasted almost 9 minutes.

"I think (Los Alamitos) is the best defense we've played all year," White said. "And we never got into a rhythm. ..."

Barnes was pleased with his defense.

"If you would have told me (before the game) that they won't score an offensive touchdown, I'd say we'd have a chance," he said.