Costa Mesa has a breakthrough

COSTA MESA-Antwon Byrd was ready for an encore.

After having a 56-yard touchdown run called back for a holding penalty late in the third quarter, Bryd took the handoff on the very next play and sprinted 67 yards for his third score of the night to lead Costa Mesa to its first victory of season, 35-6, over Century in a nonleague game at Estancia High on Friday.

Byrd finished with 175 yards rushing and touchdowns runs of 84 and 67 yards to go with 57 yards receiving, including a 43-yard touchdown pass from Todd Davis.

The defense forced two interceptions and Jeff Dye led a spirited special teams unit with a blocked field goal and extra point.

"It's really big to get the first win out of the way, especially with Estancia coming up," Byrd said. "We didn't let our record bother us. We just hope to carry this momentum over and stay focused."

Century fumbled the opening kick off and Nick Pederson scored from 5-yards out five plays later for an early lead. The Centurions responded with a 12-play drive that culminated with Abraham's Palacios 18-yard touchdown run to make it 7-6, but Byrd scored three unanswered touchdowns and the Mustangs' defense took over.

Brian Waldron's 16-yard rushing score in the fourth quarter made it 35-6.

Davis finished 5 for 9 passing with 93 yards and a score.

Ricky Canales led Century with 68 yards rushing on 16 carries.

Contact the writer: preps@ocregister.com