El Toro’s Hardy Makes Sure San Clemente Falls Short

MISSION VIEJO —  Everyone on the San Clemente roster had been warned about El Toro’s all-purpose back Murle Sango. Same with Richard Oates. But it was a defensive lineman, Jason Hardy, who might have hurt the Tritons most.

In a game sixth-ranked San Clemente was ridiculously close to winning, Hardy stepped in front of a screen pass at his four-yard line and lumbered 94 yards, setting up a touchdown that gave fifth-ranked El Toro breathing room in the Chargers’ 33-20 victory.

Although the Chargers are deservedly known for their offense--they gained 463 yards--the defense made three crucial plays in Thursday’s opener at Trabuco Hills High.

Hardy was involved in two of them, both with the Chargers clinging to a 20-14 lead. In addition to carrying the ball to the two-yard line on his return, he recovered a fumble caused by Darron Ohlwiler’s hit on San Clemente quarterback Chris Hayward with the Tritons driving at the El Toro 30 after cutting into a 20-0 deficit.

The other big defensive play by the Chargers was Jim Whitesides’ interception in the end zone on San Clemente’s first drive, when the Tritons were poised to tie the score, 7-7.

It was sweet redemption for a side that had to face San Clemente’s no-huddle offense and found itself taking its lumps. San Clemente outgained El Toro, 494-463, and quarterback Chris Hayward passed for 324 yards (and a 27-yard scoring pass to Michael Lang at the end of the half).

Hayward completed 31 of 50 passes (14 for 160 yards to Lang), but threw the two big interceptions.

Hayward also rushed 11 times for 117 yards, including a 76-yard touchdown run on the first drive of the second half to make it a 20-14 game, and a one-yarder with 1:19 to go.

“The no-huddle wears you down and causes problems with communication,” said El Toro Coach Mike Milner. “The worst thing is that the defense can never huddle up and regroup.”

Fortunately for the Chargers, their offense could.

Oates rushed 15 times for 156 yards and touchdowns of 26, 12 and 37 yards. The final one came with 4:25 left and gave El Toro a 33-14 lead.

Sango carried 11 times for 64 yards, and caught nine passes for 92 yards to move drives along. The only unknown skill player on the Chargers’ talented offense, quarterback Brandon Wilde, completed 17 of 27 passes for 195 yards. He also scored from one yard with 9:51 left in the half after Hardy’s long interception return, creating a 13-point swing in which El Toro went ahead, 26-14.