Laguna Beach Loses, but on This Day, Playing Is Enough

SANTA ANA —  Century defeated Laguna Beach, 31-0, in a Pacific Coast League game Saturday afternoon at Santa Ana Stadium. But there was a lot more than football on everyone’s mind.

The Artists played while two teammates were in Laguna Beach with their families, whose homes were destroyed by Wednesday’s fire. A third Laguna Beach player, running back Rupert Harwood, played despite his family’s home being lost. He started and gained 39 yards in 10 carries.

“It was a game, that’s all,” Century Coach Bill Brown said. “By coming here, I hope some of the trauma went out of their minds.”

The Centurions (3-4-1, 2-1) scored on their first three possessions. Julio Garcia rushed for 104 yards in 12 carries and scored on runs of six and 14 yards. Jorge Rodriguez added a 15-yard run, and Alejandro Huizar returned a fumble 25 yards for Century’s other touchdown.

“That was a hard-hitting game, no doubt about it. But the kids wanted to play,” Laguna Beach Coach Mike Roche said. “It’s been a rough week, but that’s not an excuse for our performance.”

Roche said in addition to the three players whose homes were destroyed, several cheerleaders also lost homes.

The teams put aside competitiveness off the field, with Century players and fans going out of their way to comfort the Artists and their fans. Before the game, Century players went across the field, lined up and applauded their opponents. During the game, a contingent of Centurion fans brought flowers to Laguna Beach spectators, and after the game, the teams met at midfield for a prayer.

“I was proud of their kids and ours,” Brown said, adding that there was talk of postponing or canceling the game during the week. “I’m glad they decided to play it,” he said. “Football’s a wonderful distraction.”

Laguna Beach (2-6, 1-2) had trouble moving the ball against the Centurions. Quarterback Pat Wood passed for 102 yards, but the Artists were held to 73 yards rushing. “It’s hard thinking about football at a time like this,” Wood said.

The Artists are scheduled to finish the season with home games against Laguna Hills and Trabuco Hills.