San Clemente Tritons Raise the Tide on The Sea Kings, 28-0

Newport Beach – Davidson Field

They say “defense wins games,” but it behooves you to have an unrelenting offense. Much like San Clemente did on Friday night September 13th with a 28-0 victory over Corona Del Mar.

The opening drive for the San Clemente Tritons was thwarted by CdM’s defense and ended with a missed 40-yard field goal attempt. However, in response, the Sea Kings struggled to complete their own first drive resulting in a failed fourth and one attempt turning the ball over on downs by the end of the first quarter. San Clemente managed to avoid, as in not producing even one turnover the entire game.

Both teams produced long drives from deep in their own territories but with no success. CDM, although missing some key players on defense due to injuries, were able to march down to San Clemente’s 12-yard line. But on fourth-and-1, CDM’s quarterback was sacked by the Triton’s Patrick Norman for a yard loss. 

In the second quarter, the resolve of the Sea Kings was tested when the Tritons piggybacked off an interception by San Clemente’s Max Bollard and a penalty granting the Tritons excellent field position on the Sea Kings’ 19-yard line. Tritons’ senior running back Colin Kohl #25, struck gold first with a 13-yard dash through the Sea Kings’ defense for a touchdown late in the second quarter just before halftime. 

At the half, San Clemente only led 7-0, leaving space for CDM to answer back but early in the third quarter San Clemente’s linebacker Luka Fuimaono forced a fumble on another sack recovered by Norman at CdM’s 25-yard line. Kohl turned on the wheels again for a 25-yard rush for another touchdown. This puts the Tritons up 14-0.

In the fourth quarter, Mason Evans made another interception that resulted in Kohl again running the ball in for a 2-yard touchdown run bumping them up to 21-0. 

Sealing the game away for the Tritons with the security from San Clemente’s offensive line, senior quarterback Dawson Martinez #11 connected with senior wide receiver Cole Harlean for a 46-yard touchdown pass. Martinez completed 13 of 19 passes for 227 yards. Tritons ended the scoring with 28-0. However, the defense never let up, finishing the game with another interception caught by Riley Kelley, adding up to three total. 

San Clemente and Corona del Mar have been matched up every season since 2018. For the first three consecutive seasons, the Sea Kings were victorious over the Tritons. But the streak ended after losing to San Clemente in 2022 again in ‘23 and again this season. Their records against each other are now tied, until next season. 

The Tritons prepare for their next game on September 20th against Chino Hills. Corona del Mar has a bye week but will return on September 27th to face Fountain Valley.