Hawks romp, 20-0

NEWPORT BEACH Laguna Hills used a stingy defense and strong special teams play en route to a 20-0 Pacific Coast League victory against host Corona del Mar at Newport Harbor High on Friday.

Laguna Hills (4-2, 1-0) set up its first touchdown by blocking a punt attempt by Sea Kings punter John Christian and recovering the ball on the Corona del Mar 29. Matt Giovinazzo punched it in on a 1-yard dive with 11:53 left in the first half.

The Hawks defense forced Corona del Mar (3-5, 1-1) to go three-and-out on the ensuing possession and took over at the Sea Kings’ 41. Three plays later Laguna Hills quarterback Ryan Wertenberger threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Sean Gordon.

Hawks kicker Richie Hogan added a 39-yard field goal on Laguna Hills’ next possession.

Hogan connected on another field goal with 10:50 left in the game, a 32-yarder. Laguna Hills’ defense took care of the rest, holding Corona del Mar to 114 yards of total offense.

Reece Ludwig rushed for 98 yards on 22 carries to lead the Hawks on offense.

Quarterback Mitch Sands came off the bench in the second half to pass for 64 yards to lead the Sea Kings.

Contact the writer: efields@ocregister.com