Laguna Hills finishes strong in 17-6 victory over Saddleback Valley Christian

Mitch Leigber of Laguna Hills goes up for a catch in Friday’s game.

Laguna Hills football team captured a 17-6 home victory Friday night over Saddleback Valley Christian.

The Hawks led 7-0 at halftime and outscored SVC 10-6 in the fourth quarter.

To see the slide show, please click on the first photo.

“We got off to a slow start,” said Laguna Hills Coach Mike Maceranka.

“SVC played hard and it was a great game. I felt we are still making little mistakes that are costing us big yards on offense and defense. We have installed a new offense and defense and I see the growing pains. I see the players improving each week and that is exciting. It is our goal to be ready for league play to make a playoff push.”

The Hawks (1-2) had a number of standouts, Maceranka said, including offensive player of the week Mitch Leigber.

“Mitch Leigber had two receiving touchdowns and a punt return for a touchdown (which was called back),” Maceranka said. “He is the best sophomore in the county. It’s his third straight player of the week honor.”

The Hawks special teams player of the week was Jake Woolgar.

“He had another great performance: a 44 yard field goal, three touchbacks on kickoffs and one coffin corner punt to the 1-yard line,” Maceranka said.

The defensive player of the week was linebacker Connor A’Hearn, who led the team in tackles with eight.

Also, defensive tackle “Emil Ventura wreaked havoc on the offense all night.” Maceranka said.

Maceranka added that “Charlie Moore, a sophomore, came into the game in the second quarter at guard which he did not practice all week and help lead our offense to the final 10 points of the game and the win.”

Laguna Hills plays at Segerstrom Friday night.