PREP EXTRA: SATURDAY FOOTBALL PULLOUT : SOUTH COAST LEAGUE : San Clemente’s Defense Prevails

SAN CLEMENTE — San Clemente celebrated its homecoming by defeating winless Dana Hills, 26-7, in front of 2,000 at San Clemente.

San Clemente’s defense intercepted three Scott Maynard passes, and returned two for touchdowns.

After a scoreless first quarter, San Clemente began to take control with Sean Kolmer’s 20-yard interception return that gave Tritons a 7-0 lead.

Dana Hills’ second drive went nowhere, and Trevor Insley returned the Dolphins’ punt 34 yards to put the Tritons at the Dolphins’ 25-yard line. On that drive, Cheyenne Dixon ran in from the three-yard line to increase the Tritons’ lead to 14-0.

The second half began similarly for the Dolphins. Maynard was pressured by the Tritons’ pass rush and San Clemente linebacker Robert Frith stepped in front of the intended Dolphin receiver and ran 41 yards for a touchdown.

San Clemente (4-4, 1-2) ended the third quarter with a 20-0 lead after a failed conversion attempt.

Dana Hills (0-8, 0-2) tried to get its passing game working, but the Tritons’ secondary, led by defensive backs Reagan West and Sam Kweskin kept the ball away from the receivers with a number of spectacular plays.

San Clemente’s offense struggled to find the end zone.