Just call them heartbreakers

Laguna Breakers lose to University High on last-second field goal.Although it followed its game plan perfectly against University last Friday, Laguna Beach High saw a one-point lead slip away at the final gun when the Trojans kicked a field goal to pull out a 16-14 victory.

The Pacific Coast League loss, which came on the night the school celebrated its 50th homecoming game, eliminated Laguna from playoff contention.

The Breakers (4-4-1 overall, 1-4 league), who have been depleted by injury but not in spirit, ended their season Thursday against Calvary Chapel in a game that took place too late for this edition.

“This team did everything needed to win that game,” Laguna coach Jimmy Nolan said. “I am extremely proud of the boys. They showed tons of heart, fight and toughness. We were completely outmatched, yet we completely outplayed them. That’s all I can ask.

“Unfortunately, there were a few very questionable penalties called against us late in the fourth that allowed University to kick the winning field goal. Also, there were a few poor calls made by myself that really put our team in a bad situation, during times that we could have put the game away.”

Laguna jumped out to a 14-0 lead. Charley Bowman threw a pair of nine-yard touchdown passes, the first to Matt Renault in the first quarter, the second to Jonathan Begay in the second quarter.

Nolan praised the play of Jody Stevens, whom he called a “workhorse” on both sides of the ball.

“That guy is tough,” Nolan said of Stevens. “Our offensive line, for the second consecutive week, did a nice job opening holes all night long. Marshall Thomas and Max Hilburn did an outstanding job defensively.

“Basically, the entire team played great. These boys all play both sides of the ball and never get a chance to recuperate. Most of these guys play with painful injuries and refuse to leave the field and will never complain. Since the beginning of this season, I’ve watched a lot of soft boys become mentally and physically strong men. I am really proud to be their coach.”

Injuries continue to plague the Breakers. They went into the Calvary Chapel game without the services of Bowman, Hilburn, Garrett Preston, George Chheng, Cooper Henderson and Kevin Kelly.

The loss of Bowman meant that the Breakers needed to find a quarterback this week. His backup, Preston, also is out with an injury.

“We’ve had QB tryouts this week,” Nolan said. “We have many spots to fill.”