La Habra holds off South Hills

COVINA -The La Habra High football team on Friday faced perhaps its first big test of the season against a quality opponent in South Hills.

The defending CIF-SS Southeast champion Highlanders appeared up for the challenge.

The Highlanders held the Huskies scoreless in the second half en route to a 22-13 victory at Covina District Stadium.La Habra (2-0) has defeated the Huskies (1-1) — ranked No. 1 in the Southwest Division — for the third consecutive season.

"Any win against South Hills is a good one," La Habra coach Frank Mazzotta said. "I'm extremely pleased. … South Hills is an offensive football team with a lot of weapons everywhere."

La Habra held the Huskies to 57 yards rushing and 147 yards of total offense.

The Highlanders also turned the ball over twice in South Hills territory but were able to hold the Huskies to field goals both times.

La Habra quarterback Randall Nygren completed 7of 15 passes for 121 yards and two touchdowns, including a 60-yard scoring pass to Ronnie Hillman late in the first half to give the Highlanders a 20-13 lead.

Hillman finished with 164 yards of total offense and scored touchdowns rushing and receiving.

La Habra plays Westminster, Los Alamitos and San Clemente over the next three weeks.

Contact the writer: lponsi@ocregister.com