27 minute read
EYE ON RMV/PAGE
Rienda’s First Homebuyer Has Deep Ties to Rancho Mission Viejo
BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
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As Chris Laullon puts it, he has a very long history with Rancho Mission Viejo. He has lived in every single one of the local communities associated with RMV, including Mission Viejo and Las Flores. In fact, he’s never lived outside of such areas.
“I mainly grew up in Ladera Ranch, and I went to San Juan Hills High School, right here off Ortega Highway— so I’ve known the Rancho Mission Viejo that we know today from when it’s been dirt and had zero development on it,” he said. “I’ve been a part of the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo since I was a kid.”
Given his connection to the land, when the chance came up for the 25-year-old and his soon-to-be fiancée, Ariana Eckman, to buy a house in the new Rienda neighborhood, they jumped at the chance.
They are now the first homebuyers in Rienda. Laullon raved about the heritage of The Ranch and its connection with surrounding communities, including San Juan Capistrano, while hanging out at Ranch Camp—RMV’s new community spot in Rienda that includes open-air seating for hanging out, a fitness complex and an equestrian center.
“It’s a very special place that you don’t see in suburbia or even urban environments like Irvine,” said Laullon, who works as an intake manager for a law firm. “When the opportunity came up to start looking at a new community and being in a position to buy, by the grace of God, I was so happy to even get the opportunity to buy here. Getting the honor of being the first official buyer of Rienda, me and my other half are just super elated to hear that.”
The homebuying process was a waiting game for the couple, who are firsttime homebuyers. Laullon was talking to companies building the homes at the start of 2022.
“We basically would have to contact the different builders and try to get our name on interest lists and priority lists. You would need to have different loan application documents ready and pre-qualified,” Laullon said. “If you’re on the priority list and you’ve been in good communication, they release a phase, and you hopefully get a phone call. We were in Phase One, and I probably had everything in before anybody did.”
Ranch Camp—a gathering spot in the new Rienda neighborhood that features a pool and other amenities for residents—has gone over well with Chris Laullon, Rienda’s first homebuyer. Photo: Collin Breaux
Eckman said given the community’s calming feel, Rienda feels as if it’s not even in California.
“As you get in Rancho Mission Viejo, you have this sense of tranquility and getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city,” Eckman said. “It’s a totally different vibe from where I’m from originally.”
Laullon and Eckman have joined a neighborhood farming group, where they look forward to doing wine and grape harvests. Laullon also volunteers with the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center, an equestrian therapy center in San Juan Capistrano.
“Rienda is the closest to the Cow Camp, which is the ranch operations where the cowboys live,” Laullon said. “That’s really special to me, just through my relationship with the (RMV) Rodeo, through my relationship with the Shea Center. The equestrian element of it is very personal to me.”
When asked about his impression of the amenities at Ranch Camp, Laullon said features such as the 20,000-squarefoot lagoon built there is something “you don’t see in every community.”
“You’ll have your regular community pools in other places, but to have something that’s that elaborate is really awe-inspiring,” Laullon said.
Eckman, who is 24, said she never imagined they would ever be able to put in money to buy a home at such young ages.
“It just all seems like a dream,” Eckman said. “It’s super surreal. It’s just crazy how everything was so easy, in a way, and just fell into place so perfectly. I couldn’t ask for anything better.”
The Rancho Mission Viejo community is one where people tend to be in a welcoming mood, Laullon said.
“When we came here for Memorial Day weekend, the pool had just opened, and there were just a lot of people. Everybody was in such great spirits,” Laullon said. “I’d go to the pool at the gym over here, and every time walking in saying hi, it doesn’t matter if they’re young or old, they’re all very amicable. All the people are really nice. They want to meet you, want to know who you are, get to know you.”
Given Rancho Mission Viejo will be building new homes into 2030, Laullon looks forward to seeing how the community continues to develop.
“What Ranch Camp is right now is the epitome of what you can get at a master-planned community, but we know there’s a lot more that’s going in. We already see a clubhouse being built up for the next sets of communities, and it’s really exciting,” he said. “To be able to be in the community and see the new ones starting to grow—and hopefully move into those next new communities and jump around in Rancho Mission Viejo down the road—I think is our dream that we both want.” CD
EVENTS AT THE RANCH
SEPTEMBER 8 Presentation on Tarantulas and Other Nocturnal Critters 7-8:30 p.m. Come learn about eightlegged critters and other creatures of the night when guest speaker Bob Allen dispenses knowledge at the guest house in Rancho Mission Viejo. The event will also feature photographs, stories, and even tarantula specimens. The event is free, and open to attendees who are 8 years of age or older. Participants must be registered or on the wait list by the day of the event at 4 p.m. thenaturereserve.org.
GUEST OPINION | A Little Bit About San Juan by Jessica DiCostanzo
DAISY SELLAS COMES FULL CIRCLE WITH RMV RODEO MUSICAL PERFORMANCE
San Juan Capistrano’s very own Rodeo Queen, Daisy Sellas, will be singing at the 20th Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo! Daisy, who was raised in Orange County, is now a musician in Nashville, where she performs at the world-famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and teaches at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Sellas has been involved in the rodeo for as long as she can remember, carrying the Rancho Mission Viejo flag on horseback since she was 12 years old. She combined her love of singing and horses by performing the national anthem at equestrian events.
Due to the pandemic, the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo has been on hiatus the past few years. Sellas is proud to be part of the return of the rodeo to San Juan.
“I am so pleased to say that this year, I’m not only singing the national anthem on both days, but I am performing for the post-rodeo show with the Rancho Mission Viejo All Stars on Saturday the 27th,” Sellas said.
Horses became part of Sellas’ life at a young age, along with her mother and sister when they moved from Newport Beach to San Juan Capistrano.
“Since that time, I’ve been riding as much as I can, whenever I can,” she said. “I don’t get to do it as much in Nashville, so every opportunity to get back in the saddle is such an immense pleasure.”
Sellas further explained how horses have shaped her life.
“When I was young, on those chilly fall mornings when my dad would drive us to the stables, it was a lesson in sharing your life with these big, fuzzy creatures, learning to treat them as equals while still being disciplined,” she said. “As I got older, when I couldn’t ride as much because of high school sports or musicals, Ortega Equestrian Center (OEC) was always there to welcome me back to ride whenever I could—it was a home for me no matter how long I was gone.”
“The people at OEC—Kathy, Brenda, Chris, and others who have since moved on—were also such wonderful humans in my life that taught me not only horse skills, but things that applied to other aspects of life as well,” Sellas continued. “Being with horses is almost spiritual for me—they are such capable, beautiful creatures that can’t truly be controlled, but if the mutual respect is there, that bond and relationship is life-changing.”
Sellas said that if you’re interested in getting more involved with horses, just do it.
“I can’t recommend Ortega Equestrian Center enough for their love and care and excellent environment. Reach out to any local stable and inquire about lessons—it’s never too late to start that incredible journey into the world of horses,” she said. “And living in San Juan, we’re so lucky, because it’s such a big part of the local community. Just go for it! And I’ll see you at the rodeo.”
Jessica DiCostanzo is a San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition Board Member, lifelong equestrian, and co-founder of equivont.com. CD
PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch .com.
Letter to The Editor
PARKING METER COMPLAINT CLAUDETTE POOLE, Lake Elsinore
I am a longtime patron of the city of San Juan Capistrano. I lived in Dana Point for 14 years and on Ortega Mountain for 18 years. Previously, I worked in San Juan since the late ’80s.
All this time, I have patronized many businesses in what used to be a quaint little town with its own individual personality. Recently, my friend and I made our regular plan to have lunch in San Juan. I had surgery, so this was my first visit since late February/early March.
We tried to go to Ramos House for lunch. No parking. We ended up at Cedar Creek. To my surprise, there was a charge for parking in the adjacent lot. The free lot was full, so we parked there. Had a great lunch and service at Cedar Creek and in the process of catching up with my friend, we forgot that we hadn’t paid for parking. I had a $50 ticket on my windshield after lunch. My friend also received a ticket for $50.
I stopped to ask the parking patrol officer about the ticket. He answered my questions, and when I commented that I may have to reconsider where I go for lunch in the future, his response was, “Well, good luck in Laguna Beach! The good times are over.”
I guess his attitude reflects your city’s attitude.
I am really shocked at your total lack of awareness. This is how you help your small businesses? You forget that the people who frequent your town visit more than one place and visit often. You reward them by charging for parking? Who is going to pay for parking to stop at Starbucks across from the Mission? What about Chico’s? Shopping for an outfit is not easily done on a time restraint. Storefront shops are having enough of a hard time without their city working against them. Don’t worry about the patrons. We can go somewhere else.
The parking meter officer, Mr. Edwards, Badge 29, had it right. The good times are over.
Laguna Beach, you are not.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This letter was originally sent to San Juan Capistrano City Manager Ben Siegel. The Starbucks mentioned is now closed.
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The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 20, Issue 16. The Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (sanclementetimes. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
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The List
What’s going on in and around town this week
THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
Get a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday! Sign up for The Weekender at thecapistranodispatch.com/weekender
SATURDAY | 27
OUTDOOR THEATER AT LOS RIOS PARK 2 and 3 p.m. Take a trip back in time when the Round About Players present A Fast Train to Capistrano in the Los Rios Historic District. The short performance will depict aspects of San Juan Capistrano’s history. The event is free, so check it out while you’re strolling about. Los Rios Park, 31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano.
RODEO BLOCK PARTY 6 p.m. Celebrate the end of summer with barbecue and live music. Family Style will perform. The event continues Sunday with James Kelly Band and line
Editor’s Pick
Brady Portenier begins to go sideways as a bull tries to buck him off at the 19th annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo in 2019. Photo: Shawn Raymundo
SATURDAY | 27 RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RODEO 1 p.m. The annual rodeo returns this weekend after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Contestants will compete in a variety of events, including bull riding and roping. There will also be food, vendors and live music. The event continues Sunday; gates open at 11:30 a.m. that day. Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, 30753 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano. rmvrodeo.com.
dancing with Marie Kelly; festivities start at 3 p.m. that day. Bad to the Bone BBQ, 31738 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.218.0227. eventbrite.com.
HEROES NIGHT OUT 5-9 p.m. Join Homefront America in honoring military veterans with a courtyard dinner. Guests can reserve seats beforehand. There will be live entertainment in a courtyard setting. Serra Plaza, 31910 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.248.9468. homefrontamerica.org.
THURSDAY | 01
CHUKKERS FOR CHARITY 5:30-9:30 p.m. Surf & Turf Therapy is hosting a fundraiser to help support their programs and provide scholarships for qualifying participants. The night will feature an exhibition polo match, patient stories, a rider demonstration, dinner, drinks, and live music. Tickets are $114 and can be purchased online. Orange County Polo Club, 27271 Silverado Canyon Road, Silverado. 949.312.7227. surfandturftherapy.org.
FRIDAY | 02
FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy the farmers market in town every Friday. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more. Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.364.1270. farmakisfarms.com.
SATURDAY | 03
SEED CONNECTION 9-10 a.m. The Ecology Center is providing this hands-on lab about soil and seeds, so people can learn about gardening, saving seeds, and which food is appropriate to grow in a given season. The event is free and open to all ages, so you can learn something whether you have a kid just developing a green thumb or you are an adult looking to grow more plants in the backyard. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.
SUNDAY | 04
CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 7 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Tribute act Fan Halen will perform. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 5 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.
AT THE MOVIES ‘Prey’ Is Worthy of Predecessor
BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
Dan Trachtenberg’s soft reboot of Fox’s famous Predator franchise, fittingly called Prey, is the first time I’ve seen critics unanimously agree that this straight-to-streaming film “should have been released in theaters.”
After Shane Black’s ridiculous The Predator (2018) four years ago, Prey not only delivers what most were not expecting, it also reestablishes the old 1980s action-horror classic four decades later.
In the greater wilderness of 1700s pre-America, Naru (Amber Midthunder) is a female member of the Comanche tribe who wants to hunt and fight with the men instead of work domestically. Her older brother, Taabe (Dakota Beavers), already has the strength and skill she longs for, and thinks she’s in over her head.
When the bigger animals in the forest start getting brutally killed, Naru senses something unusual is lurking in the tribe’s territory.
Prey has been getting lots of praise for cleverly reinventing the Predator franchise, as well as putting the spotlight on Native American characters as film leads.
It makes sense the first prequel in the series would be set in historic Native years, as John McTiernan’s original Predator (1987), and most of the sequels, take place in the jungle, among natural surroundings.
The few complaints I’ve seen of Prey didn’t actually bother me. One is that everyone in the movie speaks English, when obviously they would be speaking Comanche. Because the characters are speaking English anyway, I don’t mind the dialogue and characters sounding somewhat modern, because this is ultimately a fictional fantasy with contemporary actors. (And for those who did enjoy Prey enough to watch it again already, there actually is a Comanche-dubbed version also featured on Hulu.)
Another criticism I’ve seen is about the heavy CG effects during the action scenes. Naru’s canine companion, Sarii, is played by a real dog for its screentime, but all the big, wild animals are CG-animated.
I’m fine with mixing both practical effects and computer graphics, and I have to agree with the filmmakers that it’s probably easier for both humans and animals to just artificially create huge grizzly bears and wolves, rather than train them.
All in all, Prey does the simple, basic task of giving audiences quality popcorn entertainment without any fluff. Midthunder, Beavers and Trachtenberg, who also directed the refreshingly subversive 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016), are impressive, and I’m excited to see what all three of them do next. CD
GUEST OPINION | The Cowgirl Designer by Marlene Holmquist
The Superpower of a Focal Point
Strategic Planning Can Save the Day
We had no idea what lurked below the surface of our humble patio. Turns out, no shovel could infiltrate the wall-to-wall underground bunker of palm tree roots, and the vine-covered patio wall directly outside our French doors hid a multitude of sins. The battle had just begun.
Forty-foot palm trees look great against a skyline, but the only way to view them in our 14-foot-deep patio was lying down. They took up way too much real estate, so a couple of grenades took care of those two bad boys! Next, we attacked the
THE COWGIRL 7-foot by 35-foot
DESIGNER wall with blistered
BY MARLENE HOLMQUIST stucco as rough as an old tree trunk. It is now a surface as smooth as the finest sand. The addition of black bamboo above the wall now camouflages the revealing black iron fence. The darker value of the bamboo places more emphasis on the lighter wall below. The once ugly backdrop to our patio was now a blank canvas, screaming for a focal point.
TACTICS TO PLAN YOUR PATIO
FOCAL POINT • A focal point can be the hero of your exterior. Let it lead the charge and dictate the first move. Easy to create using size, color, and/or contrast, it is a target where your eye first lands. Build your design around it.
FLOOR PLAN • Consider the multiple functions of the yard and allot the amount of space needed for each. (i.e., entertaining, children, pets, vegetable garden). Create a functional floor plan just as you would in any room of your house.
REPURPOSE & REUSE • Out-of-the-box thinking can lead to a victory for your pocketbook. VIBE • Pick a concept and stick to it. If chaotic, simplify by repeating elements, or reduce the number of different elements. If boring and uninviting, ramp it up with scale or intensity of hue.
HOW I DID IT
Artistic, colorful, airy, and little bit of sophisticated tropical was my goal. I knew the center of the wall would be my focal point from the very beginning, but I had no idea how. I scoured Amazon for ideas, choosing three vertical, galvanized steel wall planters (in three colors with 18 square pockets in each one), and filled them with floral foam and dozens and dozens of faux succulents. A single row of flagstone now frames the top edge of the wall. Four types of flowering vines drape downward, keeping the vibe more intimate.
With its curved inside corners and ends, the new raised flagstone planter at the base of the wall creates interest and depth. Budget-wise and eco-friendly, the large planter was repurposed entirely from the ground tiles. A new umbrella from Costco was our only furniture purchase.
After months of searching, I finally found four (perfect!) large terra cotta planters at the Jalan Jalan showroom, new to the Laguna Design Center. Uniquely adorned with a Maichore silver metal detail, they are handmade by the Touareg Tribe in Morocco. I had found the perfect finishing touch!
Marlene Holmquist, ASID, owns Luxury Ranch Interior Design, a full-service interior design company specializing in remodels for residences and small businesses. An avid equestrian known as “The Cowgirl Designer,” she is a member of the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition and Las Vaqueras Women’s Riding Club. luxury-ranch.com or thecowgirldesigner.com. CD
PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com. Photo: Courtesy of Thomas Hunn.
FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo depicts Chula Martine in front of Hotel San Juan Capistrano on El Camino Real in San Juan Capistrano. The time period is believed to be from the late 1800s or early 1900s.
Every issue, The Capistrano Dispatch will publish a historical photo. To submit your historical photo for consideration, provide information about the photo along with your name, date, location and a small description to cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com.
ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK
Lloyd
THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
This handsome guy is Lloyd, a laid-back cool cat who is ready to find his forever home. About 5 years old, he is a great mix between playful and mellow personalities. Lloyd gets along well with other cats and would make a great addition to just about any home.
If you are interested in adopting Lloyd, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. CD
Sudoku
BY MYLES MELLOR
SOLUTION: Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium
CLASSIFIEDS
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HELP WANTED Warehouse Job
No experience required. Responsible for picking and packing daily orders. Assemble and prepare carded items. Assemble bagged items. Perform other related duties as assigned or as necessary. May assist with shipping and receiving. BONUS sign up after 3 months of full-time employment. Please contact Diana at 949-492-4399 x125 or email to set up an interview at dromero@ndaonline.net
GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE
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FOR SALE
SURFBOARD FOR SALE Hand-shaped Channel Islands 7’4” surfboard (20 x 2 3/4). Great condition. $300 OBO. Text 949.702.3142.
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PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE
Call Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com
PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE
Call Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com
PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE
Call Debra Wells at 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com
SAN JUAN PREP SPORTS ROUNDUP
THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
For in-game updates, news and more for all the San Juan Capistrano high school sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCSports and on Instagram @South_OC_Sports.
San Juan Hills Football Battles, Falls in Opener
San Juan Hills’ defense stood up to a Trinity League test on Friday, Aug. 19, but Santa Margarita took advantage of mistakes to win both teams’ season opener, 18-8, at San Juan Hills High School.
San Juan Hills junior linebacker Jake Javorsky led the San Juan Hills defensive effort with nine tackles. Javorsky, senior Levi Crider and sophomore Weston Port each had two tackles for loss.
Sophomore quarterback Michael “Butter” Tollefson completed 6 of 12 passes for 83 yards, a touchdown to senior Brayden Bockler, and an interception. Tollefson also ran 15 times for 53 yards.
San Juan Hills (0-1) got back to action quickly on a short week, as the Stallions traveled to take on Cypress on Thursday, Aug. 25, at Western High School in Anaheim. Full coverage of this game can be found on the South OC Sports social media channels and at thecapistranodispatch.com.
San Juan Hills next plays at Roosevelt of Eastvale on Sept. 2.
Santa Margarita (1-0) led, 5-0, going into the fourth quarter, with a San Juan Hills punt snap bobbled in the end zone for a safety in the first quarter and a second-quarter field goal off an interception.
Early in the final quarter, Santa Margarita benefited from another poorly executed punt play, as the snap went over the punter to the 10-yard line. The Eagles ran in for a 1-yard touchdown two plays later for an 11-0 lead.
San Juan Hills didn’t go away quietly, with a 40-yard screen pass to junior Colton Chase and a 6-yard touchdown pass to Bockler. Junior Sullivan Land ran in the two-point conversion to cut the lead to three points, 11-8, with just under seven minutes remaining.
Santa Margarita iced the game on the ensuing drive, as the Eagles eventually completed a 19-yard touchdown pass for the 18-8 final score.
Santa Margarita quarterback Jaxon Potter completed 13 of 21 passes for 176 yards with a touchdown pass and a touchdown run. Servite transfer Emmet Mosley caught nine passes for 95 yards and a touchdown.
The Eagles were also charged with 14 penalties for 125 yards. —Zach Cavanagh
San Juan Hills football’s defense held Santa Margarita to just five points through three quarters, but the Eagles pounced on Stallion mistakes to solidify their advantage in the fourth quarter. Photo: Alan Gibby / Zone 57
JSerra Football Rallies in Third Quarter to Win Opener
JSerra used a 21-0 third-quarter surge to push past Sierra Canyon on Friday night, Aug. 19, at JSerra Catholic High School, en route to a season-opening 31-17 victory.
It was a snippet of revenge for the Lions, as the Trailblazers beat JSerra twice last season, including the previous season opener and in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs.
Although down 17-7 at halftime, Lions head coach Scott McKnight said the mood in the locker room wasn’t sour, as JSerra knew it had found some success during the first two quarters.
“We cleaned some things up defensively, and stuck with our plan offensively,” McKnight said. “(When we blocked) that punt, it was huge. It was a huge turning point.”
After the defense achieved its goal and got the Sierra Canyon offense off the field after only three plays, junior Jared Referente sprinted in off the edge to block a punt and swing the momentum in the Lions’ direction.
On the ensuing play, junior quarterback Zander Singh lofted the ball to Referente as he snuck out of the backfield and walked into the end zone, cutting the deficit to three points, 17-14.
JSerra (1-0) forced another 3-and-out and started its next possession in opposing territory. Singh escaped the pocket to find receiver Pierce Tanghal for a 38-yard bomb to keep the drive going, then worked the same magic to hit running back George Perez for a touchdown in tight coverage and give the Lions a 21-17 lead.
“He’s cool under pressure, he doesn’t get rattled, he’s got good awareness,” McKnight said of his quarterback. “He showed some things tonight that we really haven’t seen a lot (of) from him, as far as getting out of the pocket and making plays.”
Following another stop, Perez took a handoff, zipped around the corner and broke a tackle on the way to a blazing 60-yard touchdown run that essentially ended the contest and took all the wind out of the Trailblazers’ sails.
JSerra, which was “wound up” in the first half, according to McKnight, settled down emotionally and played swarming defense to close out the game. The Lions also took the liberty of running out the clock early in the fourth quarter and added a Shayne Daly field goal from 25 yards out to seal the deal at 31-17.
Sierra Canyon (0-1) took a 7-0 lead into the second quarter after a sustained drive featuring pass plays of 17, 22, and 23 yards, the latter of which was a beautiful ball that hit Jaylen’Dai Sumlin in stride in the end zone from quarterback Alonzo Esparza.
Early in the second frame, however, the turnover bug struck, as Esparza threw a pass deep into JSerra territory that was intercepted by junior defensive back Grant Wood. Perez fumbled the ball back to Sierra Canyon on the next play after taking a handoff from his own 3-yard-line.
The Trailblazers converted the fumble into a field goal.
Toward halftime, Perez ripped off a 29-yard run that put Singh in position to sneak into the end zone from one yard out to trim JSerra’s deficit to 10-7.
Sierra Canyon executed well on the last possession before the break and capitalized, as Esparza threw a jump ball to Lavon Brown, who pulled it in with one hand to score and extend the Trailblazers’ lead to 10 points.
Esparza completed 15 of 24 passes for 162 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions and fumbled once. Singh went 10-for-19, throwing for 131 yards and two touchdowns.
Brown, who has committed to Colorado State University, caught a game-high six passes for 59 yards and a touchdown. Perez led all rushers with 142 yards and a score on 16 carries.
JSerra will travel to play Chaminade of West Hills (1-0) for its next contest on Friday, Aug. 26. —C. Jayden Smith
