Laguna Hills Quietly Lauds Team

LAGUNA HILLS — There were no fireworks at Tuesday night’s city council ceremony honoring the Laguna Hills High championship football team.

In fact, there was no mention of the flap stemming from Laguna Hills Mayor Craig Scott’s letter to The Times criticizing Hawk Coach Steve Bresnahan for not playing his reserves during a lopsided victory in the Southern Section title game.

Scott, whose son Tyson was a reserve on the Division VIII title team, presented certificates to members of the team and coaching staff Tuesday night. Scott also led council members and those in attendance in a “Hawk Chop” clap after every player and coach was introduced.

When Bresnahan came up to the podium, Scott said, “Congratulations” to the coach he had lambasted only seven weeks ago. Bresnahan said, “Thank you” and shook the mayor’s hand. Several members of the team did not attend the ceremony, including star running back Michael Jones and Tyson Scott. Bresnahan said Jones was working and Scott was taking a night class. Many other players were involved in a league wrestling meet.

Laguna Hills Principal Wayne Mickaelian spoke briefly--praising the football players and the coaching staff for the Hawks’ championship season.

“We have the best football coaching staff in Orange County,” Mickaelian said.

Afterward, Bresnahan seemed relieved the controversy had died down.

“It wasn’t awkward,” Bresnahan said. “Time has a way of healing things. This might have been a little different had we had this a week after the football game. This was a great night for these kids who were honored for a tremendous achievement.”