Eagles win ugly but move to 3‑0
Defense steps up again for O’Connor
O’Connor 21, Alhambra 12
by Jason Stone

NORTH VALLEY – Sandra Day O’Connor football coach Rick Mey should be thankful that the 5A Conference doesn’t consider style points when figuring in playoff points. That’s because his Eagles are winning ugly to start 2006.

“We may be 3‑0, but it hasn’t been pretty by any means,” Mey said after his team beat Alhambra 21‑12 last Friday to remain undefeated after three games for the first time in the school’s history. “But I guess that’s the formula for us to win this year.”

After trailing 6‑0 at halftime against winless Alhambra, O’Connor rallied for 21 straight points in the second half to grab control of the game. After needing interceptions in the final minute of the last two wins, O’Connor had control of the game most of the second half.

“It was another good defensive effort,” Mey said. “But once again, we were outgained but still won.”

O’Connor’s offense had trouble moving the ball for the third straight week, but did not commit a turnover until less than a minute left in the game. The Eagles’ defense, meanwhile, helped out with two takeaways, which slowed an athletic Alhambra team.

A fourth‑straight win is at stake this Friday as the Eagles travel to Avondale to take on LaJoya. The Fighting Lobos feature 6‑foot‑4 running back Jason Smith, who Mey said the Eagles will have to contain.

“He is a load to bring down,” Mey said. “I saw him on a tape drag a kid 40 yards. He’s not very fast, but it doesn’t matter with his size.”

La Joya (1‑1) has only attempted four passes this year and runs nearly every play. The Lobos are averaging 300 yards a game on the ground, Mey said.

“We’ve been pretty good against the run, but this is by far the best team we’ve played,” Mey said.

Reach the reporter at jason@thedesertadvocate.com.