Trabuco Hills Beats Fumble-Prone Chaminade

MISSION VIEJO —  The Trabuco Hills defense forced four turnovers, including two on West Hills Chaminade’s final two possessions, to preserve a 16-14 victory at Trabuco Hills High Friday night.

The Mustangs (3-1) struggled early in the game against Chaminade’s defense, and they weren’t able to move the ball until they switched to their “greyhound offense.”

“They take their Chicago Bear-style defense seriously,” Trabuco Hills Coach Jim Barnett said. “They loop and stunt more than Buddy Ryan did with the Bears. But they do a good job on defense and they make it tough on you.”

But in the greyhound offense, in which the Mustang receivers run short, quick patterns, Trabuco Hills moved 68 yards on eight plays in just 57 seconds and scored when Chad Collins threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to J.C. Pintsak on fourth and goal to tie score, 7-7, just before the half.

After Chaminade forced a Pintsak fumble on the opening series on the second half, it drove 31 yards on eight plays and took the lead when Jason Giovannettone caught a one-yard touchdown pass from Tom Racius. Bill Sayer’s kick made it 14-7.

After Mike Junge’s 28-yard field goal made it 14-10, the Mustang defense forced a Chaminade punt, which Bryan Carter returned 19 yards to the Eagle 25. Eight plays later, Collins threw four yards to Bryan Flournoy to put the Mustangs up 16-10.

Chaminade had one last chance to win, but with 1:21 left to play, Giovannettone mishandled a pitch on fourth and two and Trabuco Hills recovered the ball and ran the clock out.