El Toro's defense steps up

Mission Viejo-El Toro bounced back from a tough Sea View League opening loss last week to Trabuco Hills with a spirited defensive effort Friday night.

The Chargers limited Northwood to 3 yards of offense in the first half, forced the Timberwolves into 11 plays for minus yards in the game and returned two interceptions for touchdowns in a 38-0 victory at Trabuco Hills High.

“Our defense is the heart and soul of our team right now,” El Toro coach Robert Frith said. “Whatever formation they came out in, we were prepared.”

El Toro (4-3, 1-1) also started slow but turned things around after Jesse Bueno’s 70-yard touchdown reception gave El Toro a 10-0 lead at halftime.

Bueno then showed what he could do on defense. On the second play of the second half, he intercepted a Ricky Bautista pass and returned it 43 yards for a score.

“Jesse is a special player,” Frith said. “I am glad on homecoming his senior year, he was able to make such an impact.”

Ryan Lewis intercepted a pass on Northwood’s next play and returned it 19 yards for a touchdown to give El Toro a 24-0 lead with 11:30 left in the third quarter.