Dana Hills smashes through San Clemente

DANA POINT - Fifth-ranked Dana Hills continued its breakthrough season Friday with a big victory against one of its South Coast League rivals.

The Dolphins got an early spark from a blocked punt and defeated visiting San Clemente, 38-14, for their first victory against the Tritons since 1991.

"It confirms that we're good and we can play with anyone — if we're healthy, of course," said Dana Hills coach Brent Melbon.

Dana Hills (6-1, 2-0) did have injury concerns afterward. Quarterback Josh Dean was upended on a hard hit late in the third quarter. The Dolphins scored two plays later, but the senior didn't return.

Dean was again a catalyst for Dana Hills, unranked in the Pac-5 Division. After the Dolphins opened a 24-0 lead in the first half, the Tritons used a touchdown pass by Chase Rettig and 1-yard run by David Espino to cut the lead to 24-14 midway through the third. But Dean helped Dana Hills respond.

He guided Dana Hills on an 80-yard scoring drive, which included two of his crucial runs. He gained 10 yards to San Clemente's 29 on the play that he was hit hard low by a San Clemente defensive back. But on the next play, Dean ran for 12 yards up the middle. Running back Brandon Howe then broke tackles on the way to a 17-yard touchdown run for a 31-14 lead with 2:22 left in third.

Dana Hills employed a power ground attack against San Clemente (4-3, 1-1). The Dolphins used a three-back, goal-line formations in the first half when they drove inside the Tritons' 30.

Howe rushed for 117 yards. Running back Cole Altuzarra had 79 while Dean added 52. The Dolphins finished with 285 yards on the ground. Dean also passed for 139 yards.

The Dolphins got an early spark from their special teams. On the game's opening possession, backup quarterback Trent Mason blocked a punt that Taylor Haefner recovered at the Tritons' 15. Brenden Beckley kicked a 29-yard field goal to give Dana Hills a quick 3-0 lead.