Sierra Canyon football dominates Orange Lutheran for ‘statement’ victory

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COSTA MESA — Orange Lutheran’s tendency to score points in the second half seemed to fit well with the storylines for its football showdown against Sierra Canyon on Thursday.

The Lancers entered the clash of nationally-ranked teams having outscored four opponents by a combined 83-28 in the second half.

And just as pressing to Sierra Canyon were the memories of Orange Lutheran’s rally in the second half last season from a 19-point deficit for an emotional win against the Trailblazers.

Sierra Canyon made sure the plot changed, along with the potential narrative for CIF-SS Division 1.

The Trailblazers flashed their well-rounded skills to score 27 points in the first half and cruised to a 41-9 victory at Orange Coast College.

“They’ve got to be the favorite to win Division 1,” Orange Lutheran coach Rod Sherman said of Sierra Canyon (5-0), ranked No. 13 in the nation by MaxPreps and No. 4 in the state by HSratings.

“I doubt that there’s a team in the state that is as talented as they are,” the coach from the Trinity League added. “You just see speed, athleticism, physicality up front. … They don’t have an weaknesses.”

Sierra Canyon led 27-9 at halftime behind two touchdown passes by Laird Finkel, a 63-yard punt return for a score by LSU commit Havon Finney Jr. and a suffocating defense.

Orange Lutheran (3-2), ranked No. 30 in the nation and seventh in the state, managed nine yards rushing and two first downs in the first half.

For the game, the Lancers were held to 117 yards of offense, including 36 passing. Sierra Canyon gained 377 yards, including 276 passing from Finkel.

“Every win is one you need to enjoy and is a statement,” Sierra Canyon coach Jon Ellinghouse said. “We got a talented team that is hungry, that wants to wants to be on the big stage. … We’re excited about our potential.”

Orange Lutheran started fast. On the third play from scrimmage, freshman defensive back Kiingbaraka Kizzee grabbed a deflected pass for an interception and returned the ball 46 yards to the Sierra Canyon 5.

But the Trailblazers’ defensive line signaled its dominance by holding Orange Lutheran to a 31-yard field goal by Aiden Migirdichian.

Sierra Canyon responded with a 27-point blitz.

The Trailblazers scored their second TD on a trick play. Finkel lined up at wide receiver, took the ball on a reverse and threw an 8-yard touchdown to tight end Brayden Tautolo.

It was the first time Sierra Canyon ran the play this season, Ellinghouse said.

Sierra Canyon recorded five sacks and several tackles for loss.

The defense was led by linemen Richard Wesley, Mikhal Johnson and Jonah Nadley among others.

The Trailblazers’ defense, featuring nine returning starters, entered the game having allowed only seven points.

Orange Lutheran closed the first half with a 70-yard return for a touchdown by Matthew Zapien off a blocked field goal by defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou.

But Sierra Canyon built its lead in the third quarter with a pair of 1-yard TD runs by Jaxsen Stokes (71 yards).

Next week, Orange Lutheran take its bye before opening the Trinity League against Mater Dei on Oct. 3 at Orange Coast College.

Sierra Canyon will also take on its bye next week before playing host to Serra in its Mission League opener on Oct. 3.