Orange County Prep Football : Villa Park’s 17-0 Victory Is Special

Both Villa Park and Orange high schools found out just how important the play of the special teams is to a football squad’s success.

Villa Park’s special teams unit blocked a punt for a touchdown and blocked a field goal attempt to help the Spartans beat the Panthers, 17-0, Friday night in a nonleague game in Fred Kelly Stadium at Orange.

“Tough defense is what got us in those special-teams situations,” Villa Park Coach Pat Mahoney said. Villa Park’s John Chorbagian blocked a punt attempt and tackle Chip Smith fell on it in the end zone to give the Spartans a 7-0 lead. Ryan Hayes kicked a 35-yard field goal midway in the second quarter and Villa Park led at halftime, 10-0.

In the fourth quarter, Spartan lineman Doug Heidler blocked a 29-yard field goal attempt by Corey Pierce to keep the Panthers off the scoreboard.

It was Villa Park’s (3-1) second shutout of the season. The Spartans beat Katella, 21-0, and have allowed only 16 points this season. Orange (1-3) was held to 137 total yards.

Villa Park quarterback Rob Davey connected with tight end Fred Soares on a 28-yard touchdown play with just under a minute to go in the game. Davey completed 10 of 15 passes for 138 yards.

“We should gain some respect with this victory,” Mahoney said. “This is a good start for our team before we get into Century League play.”