PREP FOOTBALL / PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE : Big Second Quarter the Key as University Beats Costa Mesa

NEWPORT BEACH — University scored on three consecutive drives in the second quarter and went on to defeat Costa Mesa, 28-6, in a Pacific Coast League game Thursday at Newport Harbor High.

The Trojans (8-1, 3-1) nearly recorded their fifth shutout of the season, but Costa Mesa (4-5, 1-3) scored with 29 seconds left.

University went 80 yards in 11 plays and capped the drive with a 17-yard run by Kelvin Murray on the first play of the second quarter.

The drive was kept alive by a fake punt on fourth and six as Jarrett Mahoney took a short snap and ran 12 yards to the Costa Mesa 25. Two plays later, Murray ran around the right side for a 7-0 lead.

The Trojans went 50 yards in seven plays on their next possession and Murray capped the drive with a 14-yard touchdown run on fourth and one with 4:57 left in the half.

Tight end Fred Roberts set up University’s next score when he caught a pass from Damian Defeo for 22 yards. Gearson Contento then caught a six-yard touchdown pass from Defeo to give the Trojans a 21-0 lead with 11 seconds left in the half.

Bryant Geary added the Trojans’ final score when he caught an eight-yard pass from Defeo on the opening possession of the second half.

The Mustangs avoided the shutout late in the game when Ray Ohrel dived in from a yard.

Murray led the Trojans with 72 yards rushing in 11 carries and Ohrel ran for 110 yards in 21 carries for Costa Mesa.