The Laguna Beach High football team has had a tough nonleague schedule.
And the Breakers hope that prepares them well for the Orange Coast League slate, which begins at 7 tonight as they travel to Godinez.
“We’re almost at full strength,” said Coach Jonathan Todd, who now has sophomore receiver Derek Reigel and sophomore running back Norty Penney back from a collarbone injury and concussion, respectively. “This is who we are, finally.”
Laguna Beach is coming off a 49-24 loss to San Diego Section powerhouse Francis Parker.
The Breakers actually scored the game’s first touchdown, on senior Alec Jaffe’s one-yard run, but Francis Parker came back to score three straight times before Laguna Beach (1-4) could answer.
The Breakers chose to keep the ball primarily on the ground and rumbled for 396 yards, including 271 by Jaffe alone. That was the third-best single-game performance in Laguna Beach history, behind only Zach Smith’s 309-yard game last year and Jody Stevens’ 296-yard performance in 2005.
The team mark of 396 yards was also close to the school record of 406 yards, set in 1956.
“We were trying to control the clock; they had a really good running quarterback,” Todd said. “Alec just played a great game.”
Jaffe also scored two touchdowns. Penney ran for 143 yards and added a touchdown, and Austin Paxson booted a 28-yard field goal.
The Breakers also got senior linebacker Ethan Quirarte back for the game. Todd said Reigel will probably play tonight against Godinez as well, but may be used sparingly.
Freshman Shane Selfridge has also been playing well and Todd said he’s earned a starting linebacker spot.
“I feel good going into league,” Todd said.
Godinez is an improved 2-4. Last year, the Breakers beat Godinez, 61-6.
?
GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL
The Breakers have a big challenge today and Saturday as they’re playing in the California Challenge tournament at Torrey Pines High.
Laguna Beach is seeded second in its pool at the tournament, which features 10 of the top 100 teams in the nation as ranked by Prepvolleyball.com. Long Beach Wilson and Canyon Crest Academy are also in the Breakers’ pool.
According to the ESPN RISE Fab 50 rankings, Long Beach Wilson is No. 13 in the country and fourth in California behind Archbishop Mitty, Newport Harbor and Dos Pueblos.
The Breakers have finished seventh and fifth the last two years at the tournament. They’ll need to win their pool to continue to Saturday’s Gold Division play.
