Breakers welcome an old football foe

For old time’s sake, Laguna Beach and University, former foes from the Pacific Coast League, will meet again tonight on the gridiron.

University comes into Guyer Field with a record of 1-2. The Trojans’ lone victory came at the expense of Ocean View (13-6) in the second week of the season.

Their losses are to Northwood (23-10) and last week to Woodbridge (27-14).

Quarterback Parker Thompson threw for 170 yards last week against Woodbridge.

A big second-half rally last week allowed the Laguna Beach High football team to collect its second victory of the season.

The Breakers had the honor of being the first team that Segerstrom would host in its home varsity football debut. The Jaguars, a program in its first year of playing varsity football, delighted the home crowd early by jumping on Laguna for a 21-0 lead.

The Breakers, however, shutout the Jaguars in the second half and came to life offensively to pull out a 27-21 victory.

Quarterback Charley Bowman thew for more than 200 yards and had touchdown passes go to Marshall Thomas and Zach Smith. Bowman and Smith also rushed for TDs as Laguna improved to 2-2 heading into tonight’s nonleague game against visiting University.

The last two games between the Breakers and Trojans have gone to the wire, with each team getting a victory.

In 2004, Laguna shaded University, 21-20, and last year it was the Trojans who held on for a 16-14 win.

Tonight’s meeting just might be another tight matchup.

“I know they are good,” Laguna Beach Coach Jimmy Nolan said of the Trojans. “I know their coach is good and is a friend of mine. I have lots of respect for this team. Last year’s game is a sore spot in my heart. We had that game won and then five plays in a row, there were ‘ghost’ penalties, marching them into position to kick a field goal with seconds remaining. I felt our kids were robbed.

“This year I believe Uni is the superior team, as far as strength, size and numbers go. But we seem to play these guys tough. I look forward to a good game. I’ll be happy if we can come out playing our game, and not shoot ourselves in the foot.”

Tonight’s game marks the halfway point of the season for the Breakers. Nolan’s take on his team?

“Young, inexperienced, nervous and soft,” he said. “Yet, after the second half last week, I see these guys may have grown up a bit. Friday night will tell.”

Student notice:

The Laguna Beach athletic department released the following statement for students who will be attending tonight’s or future home games this year:

“We are very excited about our winning football team and the number of students, parents and community members attending our games. However we are concerned with all students’ safety during our games. Therefore, we are asking that an adult accompany students who come to our games that are of an elementary and junior high age.

“Additionally, please do not bring any type of football balls, etc., to the stadium. Security will have to hold them until after the game. Please be aware that if your student comes to the gate without an adult they will not be admitted to the game. Also, there will be no admittance to the game after the third quarter.”

CIF-Southern Section football rankings:

Southern Division: 1. Anaheim; 2. Laguna Hills; 3. Santiago/Garden Grove; 4. Corona del Mar; 5. Cypress; 6. Kennedy; 7. Valencia/Placentia; 8. Western; 9T. Beckman, Laguna Beach.

FOOTBALL MVP

Name: Charley Bowman

Position: Quarterback/defense

Height/weight: 5-10, 150

Year: Junior

Highlights: Bowman threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for a third, as the Breakers rallied to defeat host Segerstrom, 27-21, and spoil the varsity home debut of the Jaguars.

Coach’s comments: “Chuck did it all, again,” Jimmy Nolan said. “This is the same guy who was taken by ambulance to the hospital after last week’s game. Not only did he come out and play hurt last Friday against Segerstrom, he was ready to play in pain on Monday. The guy leads by example, as he did last Friday. In the second half, I put the game on his shoulders with my risky no-huddle passing series. He threw extremely well. He also made a game-saving tackle on the defense and some very big plays against their top receiver. You name it, Chuck conquered it last Friday night; and the team followed.”