Long Runs By Nikzad Allow Aliso Niguel to Ease Past Orange

Iman Nikzad put on a first-half show, scoring three touchdowns--two of them 50 seconds apart in the second quarter--to lead Aliso Niguel High to a 37-19 victory over Orange in a nonleague game Friday night at Aliso Niguel.

The Wolverines (3-2) recorded only eight first downs in a penalty-marred game, but overcame that with big plays on offense and solid defense.

The Panthers (0-5) surrendered the first points of the contest on a snap that went over the punter’s head and out of the end zone for a safety. Nikzad then took the ensuing free kick and ran 63 yards for a touchdown to put Aliso Niguel up, 9-0, with 1:29 left in the first quarter.

After the Wolverines couldn’t capitalize on a fumble recovery because of penalties and a sack, their defense came up big again, stopping Orange on a fourth-down play. Nikzad scored again on the next play, running 50 yards for a touchdown.

Jon Allmond spoiled a 42-yard kickoff return for the Panthers by fumbling, and Michael Mudge recovered for Aliso Niguel. Nikzad soon followed with a 67-yard touchdown run.

Orange came to life on the following kickoff, and Allmond atoned for his previous mistake with an 88-yard return down the sideline to make the score 23-7 with 4:33 remaining in the half.