University’s Ground Game Stops Corona del Mar, 21-10

NEWPORT BEACH — University used a steady running game to defeat Corona del Mar, 21-10, in the Sea View League opener for both teams Friday night at Newport Harbor High School.

University senior running back Sammy Hunt rushed for 117 yards in 14 carries, including one touchdown, to spoil homecoming for Corona del Mar (2-3-1, 0-1). Senior Todd Anderson scored the Trojans’ other touchdown in the first half on a 45-yard run with 6:22 left in the second quarter.

With University (4-2, 1-0) leading, 14-3, early in the third quarter, Corona del Mar struck back behind quarterback Todd Kehrli, who completed 16 of 24 passes for 222 yards in the game. Kehrli threw a 38-yard pass to Jeff Wegener at the 11-yard line, was sacked on the next play for a six yard loss, and then threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Wegener to bring Corona del Mar to within 14-10. That was as close as the Sea Kings got.

University’s Bao Nguyen ran 66 yards for a touchdown with 8:22 left in the fourth quarter, bringing the score to 21-10.

The Trojans were assessed 134 yards in penalties, including 99 in the second half. “We had a lot of penalties,” University Coach Mark Cunningham said. “But I felt we did a pretty good job controlling the game.”