Turnovers Make Difference in Corona del Mar Shutout

Corona del Mar took advantage of four Estancia turnovers and pulled out a 9-0 Pacific Coast League victory Friday at Orange Coast College.

The victory put Corona del Mar (2-6, 2-0 in league) in the driver’s seat, despite losing its first five nonleague games of the season.

“I wouldn’t say driver’s seat, but we got our learner’s permit tonight,” Sea Kings’ Coach Dick Freeman said afterward. “We took advantage of some of their mistakes and got some lucky breaks that won us the ball game.”

Grant Estabrook rushed for 116 yards in 29 carries for Corona del Mar, which scored its lone touchdown late in the first quarter. Corona del Mar’s Eric Snell recovered a muffed punt return at the Estancia 11, and two plays later, senior Mike Hayes scored on a six-yard run up the middle.

Marshall Hendricks rushed for 96 yards in 22 carries for Estancia (5-3, 1-1), which moved to the Corona del Mar 14 in the second quarter, but two quarterback sacks ended that drive. The Eagles moved to the Sea Kings 25 to open the second half but lost the ball on a fumble.

“When we got deep into their territory,” Estancia Coach Dave Perkins said, “we would shoot ourselves in the foot.