Laguna Hills football team notches key Sea View League victory; gets ready for Aliso Niguel

Mitch Leigber of Laguna Hills carries for yards in Saturday’s game as Nolan Hegeduis (No. 77) and Matt Der Torossian (No. 10) block for him. (Photos courtesy Laguna Hills football)

Laguna Hills football team is gearing up for a Sea View League showdown with Aliso Niguel Friday night at Aliso.

The Hawks put together another strong effort on Saturday, defeating Trabuco Hills 49-13 in a league game that was delayed a day because of inclement weather.

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

Zach Ferranto of Laguna Hills picks up a gain Saturday.

The Laguna Hills defense makes a stop against Trabuco Hills.

Laguna Hills quarterback Hayden McKenna makes a pass Saturday.

“Our game plan was to be physical in the run game and stop their run game,” said Hawks Coach Mike Maceranka. “We ran for over 350 yards and held their top back under 40 yards until the running clock. This was the best we have played since our opener at University.

“We got off to a great start. This was a big game for us, our goal was to be 2-0 and playing Aliso for a guaranteed playoff spot. We scored on our first three dives of the half. We were up 21-0. The we had them backed up and a bad snap occurred and our inside linebacker Cole Hemenez picked it up and ran it into the end zone.

“That put us up 28-0 before in the second quarter, they were able to put together a strong drive and scored with about two minutes left in the half. We then drove the field and scored another touchdown to finish the half up 35-7. We received the kickoff in the second half and drove the length of the field and score to put us up 42-7 and the running clock kicked in with 10 minutes left in the third quarter.”

Trabuco Hills (2-7. 1-2) scored again in the third quarter and Laguna Hills (3-5, 2-0) scored on a pass from quarterback Hayden McKenna to Gabe Hurley.

Mitch Leigber had four rushing touchdowns for 225 yards on 15 carries. Hurley had a TD reception and Matt Der Torossian had a rushing TD. Cole Hemenez had a fumble recovery for a touchdown.

Now the Hawks focus on Aliso Niguel (7-1, 1-1)

“Aliso is a very good team,” Maceranka said. “We have struggled throughout the season offensively and we have now found an identity we are comfortable with and can have success with. Our goal is to be 3-0 after Friday night and that is a monumental task vs. the Wolverines. At this time of the year you can’t ask to be in a better situation; it is all on the line Friday night.”

PLAYER TO WATCH: LAGUNA HILLS SOPHOMORE MITCH LEIGBER

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com