First win beckons

COsta Mesa grid pre vs. Santa AnaThe Costa Mesa High football team has lost its six games this season, but Mustangs Coach Jay Johnson believes his squad has faced seven opponents.

“We’ve held ourselves back,” said Johnson, whose unit visits the Santa Ana Bowl Saturday at 7 p.m. for a Golden West League clash against Santa Ana.

The Saints (3-2, 2-0 in league) are tied with Westminster atop the league standings.

Westminster topped Costa Mesa, 47-6, Friday, dropping the Mustangs to 0-6, 0-2. Costa Mesa has lost eight straight, dating back to last season.

“We need to find our own way,” said Johnson, who will try to keep his team focused on improving and having fun. “We’re at the point where we need to do the things to get that W.”

Turnovers and injuries have been a big problem for the Mustangs. And while several players have returned from injuries, including senior tailback Ivan Ruiz and senior quarterback Ryan French, the miscues have continued.

Mesa is minus-13 in turnover ratio, including four interceptions against Westminster.

Ruiz has sparked the running game that was all but dormant since returning all-league tailback Tyler Legg was sidelined for the season with a broken leg in the second game.

Ruiz, making his first start last week, produced his second straight 100-plus rushing total. He has 228 yards on 40 carries in two games.

French, an all-league returner who missed three games after separating his shoulder in the opener, has struggled to find his rhythm. While throwing for 249 yards and one touchdown, he has completed 28 of 72 with nine interceptions.

Santa Ana has won three straight after opening the season with a pair of losses. The Saints have outscored Bolsa Grande, Ocean View and Saddleback by a combined 125-15.

Johnson said the Saints are an I-formation running team. Senior Jason McCalope has amassed 925 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 88 carries, as the Saints have hardly bothered with the pass.

COSTA MESA STARTERS