After opening round CIF playoff win, Beckman prepares to face West Covina

Beckman quarterback Austin Shepard drops back to pass Friday night vs. Capo Valley Christian.  (Photos courtesy of @ttownsportspics on Instagram).

Beckman High School’s football team, after defeating Capo Valley Christian 14-9 on the road Friday night, gets a home game Friday in the quarterfinals of the CIF Division 10 playoffs.

Beckman (9-2) will host West Covina at University High School. Beckman and Foothill share Tustin High School’s field and Foothill also has a home game.

“I think the thing that best characterizes this win was composure,” Beckman Coach Marcello Giuliano said Tuesday. “CVC is a very good team and they got us on some things that we hadn’t seen, but we also put ourselves in some bad spots. Whatever happened, though, the kids stayed composed and focused and were able to execute at the most important moments.

“We had to defend an extra point fake and also turn them away three times in the red zone. Once was inside the 5, and another they got a short field off a terrific punt return. Offensively, we executed the end of the first half clock situation very well and scored what would become the go-ahead TD with six seconds left on the clock. I was extremely proud of how the boys handled all these high leverage situations; it definitely shows that they have grown and matured over the course of the season.”

To see additional photos, click on the first picture:

Beckman Coach Marcello Giuliano talks to his players after Friday's road win.

JP Synnott of Capo Valley Christian hurdles a couple Beckman defenders.

Dominic Thompson of Beckman goes up to make a catch Friday.

Giuliano was pleased with the defensive effort against Capo Valley Christian, which ended its season 8-2.

“Can’t say enough about our defensive secondary,” he said. “CVC had one of the counties top few passing attacks and we held them out of the end zone. Senior corner Aiden McCarthy had an interception to end a drive inside the 10 and a breakup in the end zone to scuttle the fake extra point.

“Dominic Thompson caught the most important pass of the game, a 12-yard TD at the end of the half. Sean O’Rourke led the team with five receptions. Austin Shepard had another great all-around game with one passing TD, one rushing TD. He had a gritty 5-yard run to ice the game in the fourth quarter.”

The Patriots now turn their focus to the quarterfinals vs. West Covina (9-2).

“This week we are playing a very good West Covina team,” Giuliano said. “It’s really a totally different type of football than we are used to: big, physical, run-heavy offense with a really athletic defense. This will be a new challenge for us this season and we have to come ready to play in a phone booth on every down; it’s the total polar opposite of last week’s challenge vs. the excellent passing attack.

“As long as we respect what it takes to prepare to make this climb toward our goals, I know that our team will show up to play for the win.”

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