Steven Fifita

It was late Friday night, but Steven Fifita was seeing nothing but

daylight.

Fountain Valley High’s starting fullback/noseguard came up with

three huge plays - each, in their own way, proved instrumental - as the

host Barons turned back a tough La Mirada squad, 16-7.

Fifita, the Independent’s Player of the Week, wiped out a 7-3 La

Mirada lead when he powered his way into the end zone on a three-yard

touchdown run in the final minute of the third quarter. Early in the

final period, he scooped up a fumble by La Mirada quarterback Chris Cox

and returned it 18 yards for a clinching touchdown.

Fifita was barely contested on his runback, a feeble hand swipe at

his cleat the only attempt the Matadores could get at stopping the

6-foot, 240 senior.

It was the second fumble recovery on the night for Fifita, whose

first recovery came during the opening half.

‘Man, I saw daylight on that first one (recovery), but I didn’t

score,’ he admitted. ‘The second recovery, I just picked up the ball and

saw an open field and the end zone. When I scored, I knew we were going

to win the game.’

His performance marked the first time that Fifita, who has played

football since age seven, had two fumble recoveries in a game.

His recovery and touchdown return was his first score on defense

in his career.

‘I’ll always remember that one,’ said Fifita, who has received

recruiting notices from some Division I schools, most notably, both Utah

and Oregon. ‘It’s a great feeling when you contribute on defense, and

nothing beats getting into the end zone with a turnover.’

Fifita’s second touchdown of the game was the game’s turning

point, and punctuated a fine performance by the Baron defense.

It also pumped up the Fountain Valley sideline, and had Fifita

screaming for more.

‘What I like about playing football is the adrenaline rush you get

just before the start of the game,’ he explained. ‘When you get ready for

kickoff, it makes all the hard work you went through during the week’s

practices, worth it.’