Corona del Mar passes first playoff test

NEWPORT BEACH - Corona del Mar utilized big plays to build a big lead, and then depended on its defense to hold onto that lead in defeating La Mirada, 26-15, on Friday in a CIF-SS Southern Division playoff game at Newport Harbor High. (Full game stats.)

The Sea Kings (9-2) advance to the second round, where they will face Laguna Beach, which defeated Santa Ana, 39-14, on Thursday. Corona del Mar demolished the Breakers in Week 2, 37-0.

"We have to erase that game from our minds. They're a different team and we're a different team," Sea Kings coach Jason Hitchens said.

This version of the Sea Kings scored on their first possession of the second quarter when J.D. Abbott capped off a six-play, 880-yard drive with an 18-yard run off an option pitch by quarterback Mitch Sands.

Corona del Mar's next possession lasted just one play — a 60-yard touchdown pass to Dillon Norton from Sands — that gave the Sea Kings a 14-0 lead at halftime.

Norton scored the next time he touched the ball on a 97-yard kickoff return to start the second half. The Sea Kings' final score came minutes later on a 57-yard run by Sands. Sands finished with 212 yards of total offense (107 passing, 105 rushing), and Abbott rushed for 180 yards on 19 carries.

La Mirada (4-7) moved the ball well between the 20s, but only scored twice despite six trips inside the 20-yard line.

Quarterback Daniel Ponce De Leon completed 31 of 45 passes for 353 yards.

• Click here for full game stats and links to season totals and team rosters.

Contact the writer: preps@ocregister.com