Edison High running back Andy Avila

Edison High running back Andy Avila had his breakthrough game of

the young 2002 season last Friday night against Capistrano Valley.

Avila, a senior and transfer from Calvary Chapel, torched the

Cougars for 229 yards and reached the end zone four times to help

lead the Chargers to their first victory of the season, a 44-20

nonleague triumph on the road.

His performance earned him the Independent’s Player of the Week

for week No. 2 of the season.

Capistrano Valley knew all too well of Avila early on, as he had

197 of those 229 yards by halftime.

He also had all four of his scoring runs by the intermission.

Avila’s touchdown runs covered 2, 6, 16 and 44 yards.

These achievements were accomplished in just three quarters of

play, and his effort helped give the Edison offense a 500-yard night.

“He can do a little of everything,” Edison coach Dave White said.

“He has speed to get to the outside and can go up the middle. He has

nice balance, and rushing the way he did the other night gives our

offense balance, too.”