Laguna Hills football team remains undefeated with home victory over University

Laguna Hills players warm up before a game earlier this season. (Photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

Laguna Hills High School’s football team converted its first nine third down opportunities and all five red zone chances to win at home 42-14 Friday night over University in a non-league game to remain undefeated at 6-0.

Laguna Hills gained 170 yards on the ground while the Hawks’ air attack added another 106 yards. John Ponce opened the scoring with a 3-yard run. 

Starting quarterback Ben Trocchio threw for two scores: 3 yards to Kekoa Kelly in the first quarter and 18 yards to Mason Fromm a quarter later for the Hawks, who won their 14th in a row dating back to last season.

Backup QB Justin Skala also had two touchdown passes: 6 yards to Drew Wade in the second quarter and 12 yards to Jason Oldach in the third stanza. Ryder Simmons had a 75-yard pick six for the other Laguna Hills touchdown.

University (3-3) was led by quarterback Koa Saito, who threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns, a four-yard strike to Jonathan Soto and 28 yards to Blaine Anderson. Anderson had 10 catches for 131 yards and 229 all purpose yards including six kickoff returns.

—Courtesy Daryl Bogard, For OC Sports Zone