Defense leads O’Connor

Eagles still unbeaten with 13‑8 win over Skyline

O’Connor 13, Skyline 8

by Jason Stone

NORTH VALLEY – Defense did it again for the Sandra Day O’Connor football team.

The Eagles forced three first‑quarter fumbles last Friday night and turned all of them into scores in a 13‑8 win over Skyline.

O’Connor improved to 2‑0 and will be heavy favorites to stay undefeated this week against Alhambra. Eagles coach Rick Mey said defense and     special teams will again be counted on to lift O’Connor.

“We’ll have to win it on defense and special teams, and have some ball control on offense,” Mey said.

That formula worked perfectly against Skyline. O’Connor forced a fumble when it punted after its first possession of the game, taking over at the Skyline 15. Junior Tyler Rajec punched the ball into the end zone with a 7‑yard run.

The Eagles then forced another fumble four plays into Skyline’s first offensive series, resulting in a 32‑yard field goal from junior Brian Turski to put O’Connor up 10‑0.

O’Connor then caused another fumble on the kickoff for outstanding field position at the Skyline 30. Turski then added another field goal–this time from 26 yards out–to give the Eagles a 13‑0 lead.

Skyline (0‑2) didn’t score until the first drive of the second half when it capped a 13‑play drive with a touchdown and 2‑point conversion to cut the deficit to 13‑8.

But it turned out to be Skyline’s last serious threat of the game. For the second straight game, O’Connor made a late interception to preserve a victory, with junior Robert Robbins picking off a pass and running out the clock to ice Skyline.

O’Connor won despite being outgained 197‑168. The Eagles’ offensive line was missing three starters due to injuries.

“The line is getting       better, but it’s fluid right now with the injuries,” Mey said. “(Normally) that’s our strength on offense.”

O’Connor this Friday travels to Alhambra, a team the Eagles destroyed 66‑0 last season. Alhambra was held scoreless last week in a 35‑0 loss to Cesar Chavez.

“They’re still a dangerous team,” Mey said. “They have a lot of speed and can break a big play at any moment.”

Reach the reporter at jason@thedesertadvocate.com.