Orange Lutheran scores early, often against Banning

COSTA MESA - It didn’t take Orange Lutheran long to put points on the board against Banning in its 42-7 victory Friday night at Orange Coast College.

Damani Wilson returned the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown and the Lancers were off and running. After holding the Pilots on three-and-out, the Lancers got the ball back and scored again on their first play.

Running back Kyle Dravis broke free for 59 yards and Orange Lutheran led 14-0 with 8:48 to go in the first quarter. The Lancers improved to 4-1 before beginning Trinity League play next week against JSerra.

“I think, hopefully, we improved,” Lancers coach Jim Kunau said. “We have a long way to go to compete in our league. We really just wanted to improve. Tonight was a positive step.”

Kunau said he was most concerned about containing Banning’s speed and athleticism. Outside of a late-fourth quarter touchdown, the Lancers defense withstood the challenge.

“Overall, the defense played real well,” Kunau said.

The Lancers defense even got into the scoring act. Terrence Brown returned an interception 31 yards to push Orange Lutheran’s lead to 28-0 with two minutes to play before halftime.

Banning’s Joel Panteau, who led the Pilots with 82 rushing yards, was injured on the last play and laid motionless on the field for 20 minutes after the game. He was eventually moved onto a stretcher and taken away in an ambulance.

Contact the writer: ctobolski@ocregister.com