Costa Mesa battles to end to recapture bell

COSTA MESA - The annual "Battle of the Bell" between Costa Mesa and Estancia came down to the final snap.

And for the first time in five years, the Mustangs wrestled the trophy away from their cross-town rivals in a 14-7 defensive struggle at Jim  Scott Stadium.

"It's huge for this school," said Costa Mesa coach  Jeremy Osso. "This community's been trying so hard to get this, and to see it  go through, it's great."

Stout defense and a running attack that tallied 251 yards on 51  carries proved to be a winning combination for the Mustangs.

Running back Antwon Byrd led the way with 159 yards on 23  carries, and Christian Argumedo added 37 yards and two short touchdown runs.

Still, with 44 seconds remaining and the ball spotted at their 25-yard line, the Eagles had a chance.

Quarterback Alek Kirshner moved his team down the field, thanks  in part to two pass interference penalties against the Mustangs. And after a  12-yard completion to Jason Moreno with six seconds left, Kirshner hustled to  the line for one final gasp.

As Kirshner scrambled to his right, Costa Mesa's Jason Schroeder  grabbed him from behind, swung him to the turf, and the Mustang bench flooded  the field in elation.

• Click here for full game stats.

Contact the writer: preps@ocregister.com