Fountain Valley's big plays aren't enough

SHERMAN OAKS - When Fountain Valley’s Kyle Middlebrooks scored on a 50-yard run on the first play of the game after a Barons onside kick, it seemed as if just maybe the senior running back was capable of upsetting Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks all by himself.

Middlebrooks tried to do just that, rushing for 273 yards and three touchdowns, but visiting Fountain Valley couldn’t catch a break as it fell, 41-24, in the first round of the CIF Pac-5 playoffs.

After catching Notre Dame off-guard to start the game, Fountain Valley never again was able to capitalize on a mistake by the Knights.

After Fountain Valley freshman Derek Huynan’s 45-yard field goal cut the lead to 28-17 late in the third quarter, Fountain Valley’s Christian Larson blocked a punt, only to have it touched by teammate Keanuna Asuega and recovered by Notre Dame.

Kenny Boggs scored on a 1-yard touchdown run four plays later.

Fountain Valley (8-3) also had an interception in the end zone negated by a holding penalty and missed on a halfback pass when Middlebrooks overthrew a wide-open Ryan Steadman.

“They got the momentum on a few plays and we couldn’t recover from it,” Fountain Valley coach Jason Smith said. “In this game, you never know what is going to happen. You try to prepare for everything.”

Middlebrooks tried to rally Fountain Valley, breaking off a 63-yard run to set up his 6-yard TD.

“He’s been doing it all year, but he’s the first guy to point out it’s a team game,” Fountain Valley coach Jason Smith said. “He’s a special kid.”

Quarterback Dominic Ragland was 5 of 15 for 49 yards, with Steadman catching three passes for 32 yards.

For Notre Dame, Boggs rushed for 212 yards and two touchdowns, Jacob Smith added 103 yards and a touchdown and Ryan Kasdorf threw for two touchdowns and ran for another.