Torrey Pines Comes Back After Orange Lutheran Scare

01.22.2024

Orange Lutheran put a bit of a scare in Southern California's top team Torrey Pines over the weekend.

Pines, which had already logged close victories over Los Alamitos and Cathedral Catholic in non-league games, got all they could handle from the Orange Lutheran team. Orange ran out to a 21-3 lead with captains Colin Donnelly and Miller Hitzke leading the charge. Daven Tonumaipea tested the Torrey Pines defense with his powerful runs and that got them go-forward from which to launch. With Cole Principe, Jake Underwood, and Keelan Tagoai all playing well defensively, Orange Lutheran seemed in control.

"They are very good," said Torrey Pines Head Coach Matty Sandoval. "They have huge, straightforward ball carriers, and are very solid in the offload after contact. They killed us with that in the first half, so we adjusted to a two-man tackle, and that proved effective."

Having turned around their defensive play, Torrey Pines was able to unleash their attack and pulled within 24-22 with time almost up. Then, with no time left, Rocco Pool slotted a penalty goal to win the game 25-24 for Torrey Pines. Flanker Ben Jolly (pictured above) was player of the match for Torrey Pines.

Despite the loss, it was a good showing for an Orange Lutheran side which will likely face Los Alamitos in the Southern Cailfornia Single-School playoffs.

"We challenge the team to get better 1% at a time," said Head Coach Jay Harris. "The belief is there, we have some great leaders on the team, and we are making small improvements every week."

Torrey Pines Comes Back After Orange Lutheran Scare

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