Santa Margarita tripped up in rematch

MISSION VIEJO - The last time La Costa Canyon tasted defeat was Sept. 26, 2008, at the hands of Santa Margarita.

Just 364 days later, a strong rushing performance by senior Seth Hanson, and a hard-hitting defense helped the Mavericks find road redemption and extended their winning streak to 13 games.

Hanson rushed for 118 yards and scored three touchdowns, while the Mavericks defense recorded four sacks and recovered a key first-half fumble in a 28-14 victory over Santa Margarita on Friday night at Saddleback College.

"They are very well-coached and we knew this was going to be a battle," Eagles coach Mike Jacot said. "There were some positive things to take away from the second half, but we just need to come out in the first half and play solid."

It was a quick start for the Mavericks (4-0), who took the opening kick and drove 83 yards in nine plays, taking a 7-0 lead on a 2-yard run by quarterback Garrett Krstich.

The Eagles (2-2) threatened in the second quarter after a 50-yard reception by sophomore Max Tuerk brought them to the Mavericks 31-yard line. But a fumbled snap on the next play recovered by La Costa Canyon’s Marlon Smith ended the threat.

On their ensuing possession, the Mavericks needed only four plays to get back into the end zone, as Hanson found a crease on the left side on the Eagles line and raced down the sideline 33 yards, making it 14-0.

Nickolas Bock had a 4-yard reception and Bobby Crane a 2-yard run for Eagles touchdowns.