La Habra beats Trabuco Hills for Southwest title

ANAHEIM - La Habra running back Josh Quezada said that he wasn't going to smile until he achieved the goal of winning three CIF titles.

After La Habra's 21-0 victory over Trabuco Hills in the CIF-SS Southwest Division final, it is time to smile for the man known as "Juice".

"Finally," Quezada said. "This feels great."

The Highlanders (13-1) recorded their third consecutive CIF title and fifth this decade with their victory over the Mustangs at Angel Stadium on Saturday in front of a crowd of 7,728.

Trabuco Hills, the Sea View League champion, finished the season 12-2.

"I'm proud of everybody," Quezada said. "I thank the young guys because I told them to get it for the seniors and to help get us back the finals."

Quezada rushed for 151 yards on 39 carries. Quarterback Cody Clements completed 5 of 6 passes for 94 yards, but two went for touchdowns. He also rushed for a score.

The Highlanders have now moved into an elite category in the county record book. They are the fifth county team to win at least five CIF titles, joining Mater Dei (nine), Santa Ana (six), Brea Olinda (five) and Mission Viejo (fifth).

La Habra is also the fifth county team to win three consecutive titles, joining Brea Olinda (1961-63), Irvine (1991-93), Los Alamitos (1991-93) and St. Margaret's (2006-08).

All five titles (2002, 2003, 2007, 2008 and 2009) have come in the 12 years since Frank Mazzotta became coach.

The only loss in the finals came in 2000 when South Hills of Covina defeated the Highlanders, 19-14.

"It has been a real fun decade," Mazzotta said. "To go to six championships and to win five of them against great teams ....it has been a great decade.

"We have great kids. We put them through a lot of hard work and they keep coming back for more and more, and it is a tribute to them and all the work they put in during the off-season."

The Highlanders took control of the game in the second quarter.

Leading 7-0, linebacker Will Peppard intercepted an A.J. Josue pass inside the La Habra 30-yard line and returned the ball to the Trabuco Hills' 18.

Two plays later, Clements hooked up with Chris Gonzales for a 17-yard touchdown pass and a 14-0 lead.

The Highlanders capped the scoring with an 11-yard touchdown run by Clements with 2:06 left in the first half.

La Habra had a chance to punch in another score with a minute remaining in the game, but the Highlanders took a knee to let time expire.

The Highlander defense held the Mustangs to 49 rushing yards.

"This team is pretty special," Mazzotta said. "I told them last (Friday) night, to get back and do it again and again and again ...it just doesn't happen. You just don't walk up and it happens, it is about the hard work and the effort they put in."