Villa Park grinds out victory over Sunny Hills

ORANGE - Villa Park’s smashmouth rushing style proved to be the difference in a 17-6 nonleague victory over Sunny Hills at Fred Kelly Stadium on Friday night.

The Spartans collectively rushed for 200 yards on 45 carries. David Tafuna rushed for 89 yards and scored the first touchdown midway through the second quarter to take a 7-0 lead.

The Lancers (2-2) put together a 12-play, 60-yard drive that concluded with Johnny Nguyen connecting with Chris Hadley for a 4-yard TD pass with no time left on the clock, making the score 7-6 at halftime.

After Andrew Miller’s 36-yard field goal, Villa Park (2-2) was able to regain possession when Carter Ponce sacked Nguyen and forced a fumble. Tyler Watkins recovered the fumble at the Sunny Hill's 28.

Brenden Brown plunged in for a 1-yard TD run to seal the victory.

The Spartans defense allowed only 202 total yards and produced two turnovers in Lancers territory. Both turnovers resulted in touchdown drives.

Sunny Hills’ Jae Byun caught six passes for 64 yards, intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble. Nguyen finished 9 of 19 for 87 yards.

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Contact the writer: preps@ocregister.com