Savanna Blocks a Field Goal, Salvages Tie With Laguna Hills

MISSION VIEJO —  Savanna High School blocked a 25-yard field goal attempt by Laguna Hills’ Marc Brodbeck with seven seconds remaining in the game to preserve a 7-7 tie Friday night at Mission Viejo High School.

The Rebels’ (3-1-1) defensive front penetrated the Hawks’ offensive line and several players smothered Brodbeck’s low kick.

Laguna Hills (3-1-1) moved the ball into field goal position after Mark Bochenek recovered a fumble by Savanna’s Randall Morgan at the Rebel 44-yard line with 1:52 left. Marwan Saba gained 14 yards in two running plays, and then quarterback Casey Sullivan hit tight end Kirk Brown for a 19-yard gain to the Savanna 10 with 16 seconds remaining.

An off-tackle run by Saba moved the ball into the middle of the field at the eight, but the blocked kick ended Laguna Hills’ would-be winning drive.

Savanna took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on Jeff Ragos’ one-yard touchdown run. Ragos’ score capped a 34-yard drive that was set up by Hien Nguyen’s 19-yard punt return.

Laguna Hills tied the score in the third quarter. Savanna fumbled away the ball at its 23-yard line. Saba finished the eight-play drive with a one-yard touchdown run with 4:21 left in the quarter.