Laguna Beach Fails to Slow Estancia

Two turnovers were the only things that stopped Estancia Thursday night as the Eagles had their offense flying high in a 62-23 Pacific Coast League victory over host Laguna Beach.

Take away an interception and a fumble that stalled drives, and Estancia scored on every possession.

The victory kept the Eagles (7-3, 4-1) in title contention. A Corona del Mar victory over University tonight would forge a three-way tie between those teams and the Eagles.

After falling behind, 3-0, Estancia made short work of Laguna Beach (2-8, 1-4).

The Eagles were up, 28-3, at the half with Kenny Valbuena completing six of eight passes for 121 yards and a touchdown. He finished seven of nine for 178 yards.

Fahad Jahid led Estancia’s ground attack, carrying eight times for 104 yards, including touchdown runs of 45 and four yards in the first half. Andy Romo added 97 yards and two touchdowns in 12 carries, and Freddy Rodriguez added scoring runs of 19 and 56 yards.

Wyatt Strateman sparked Laguna Beach by passing for two touchdowns and rushing for 34 yards after replacing the injured Todd Merz in the third quarter.

Laguna Beach’s Will Blodgett scored two touchdowns and passed for one.