San Clemente Strikes Early, Shuts Down Laguna Beach

San Clemente High School will enter South Coast League play next week with a winning record after beating Laguna Beach, 24-0, Friday night at Laguna Beach.

Senior flanker Tom Belloni helped San Clemente (3-2) get off quickly, catching two touchdown passes in the first half.

Belloni’s first score came from 29 yards, on a halfback option from senior Steve Favazzo with 34 seconds left in the first quarter.

Junior quarterback Ken Dolan then hit Belloni on a 12-yard scoring pass with 9:17 left in the second quarter. Derek Marshall’s extra point made it 14-0.

Senior running back Juan Maldonado led the San Clemente running game with 96 yards in 12 carries.

San Clemente’s defense recorded its first shutout in Coach Dave Elecciri’s three-year career.

The 24-point scoring total also was the best offensive effort for a San Clemente team under Elecciri.

“It was a total team effort,” said Elecciri, “but we know we are not entering a tough league, but the toughest league.”

Laguna Beach, which starts Pacific Coast League play next week, is 0-5.

Laguna Beach quarterback Aaron Scheid completed six of 15 passes for 70 yards.