SEA VIEW LEAGUE : Santa Margarita Runs, Defends Well to Beat University

MISSION VIEJO — Santa Margarita, using a balanced offense and a swarming defense, celebrated homecoming with a 28-7 victory over University in a Sea View League game at Saddleback College Friday night.

Santa Margarita, which wanted to establish a running game to go along with its potent passing attack, rushed for 167 yards. Chris Collins led the way with 81 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries. But the Eagles didn’t neglect to pas, as quarterback Derek Yankoff completed 12 of 24 for 146 yards; he also rushed for 47.

University started the scoring on the first play from scrimmage when Ricco Roberson, after returning the opening kickoff 33 yards to the 39, ran off tackle 61 yards.

Santa Margarita tied the score on its first drive when Yankoff led the Eagles on a 13 play 80-yard drive that Collins finished with a one-yard run. Yankoff spearheaded the drive as he ran for 45 yards and threw for 11 more on the five minute drive that tied the game.

Santa Margarita took the lead when, aided by two University interference penalties, it drove 83 yards on nine plays and scored on Yankoff’s one-yard run.