La Habra defense helps eke out title

SANTA ANA After notching lopsided victories for the past two months, the La Habra football team found itself in a defensive battle against Fullerton in the CIF-SS Southeast Division championship played Friday at Santa Ana Stadium.

The Highlanders mustered just enough offense to earn a 16-6 victory.

La Habra coach Frank Mazzotta gave most of the credit to his defense for the Highlanders' victory and third division title.

"We shut down their running game and made them earn every inch," Mazzotta said.

Fullerton needed a strong showing from running back Michael Allain, who has keyed the Indians success for much of the season.

Allain, who was averaging 262 yards per game in the playoffs heading into the final, was held to 63 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries.

"They are a strong team," Allain said. "I have to give it to them. They are a good team."

Even when La Habra made mistakes, its defense did a good job of damage control.

An interception by Chris Morales- his first of three - on La Habra's first possession of the game, gave Fullerton possession on its 24. The Indians managed only 7 yards, however, before punting.

On the Highlanders' next possession, Morales' second interception gave the Indians the ball on their 25.

Once again, Fullerton couldn't capitalize on the opportunity.

"When we made a mistake on offense, our defense was there to pick up the pieces," Mazzotta said.

Fullerton's defense was equally impressive, holding a Highlander team that was averaging more than 50 points in the playoffs to its lowest point total of the season.

Aside from a 34-yard scoring drive on its first drive of the third quarter, La Habra had a difficult time moving the ball in the second half. The Highlanders were forced to punt four times and got into Fullerton territory only twice.

Contact the writer: lponsi@ocregister.com