Vaughan Scores Three Times as San Clemente Holds On

DANA POINT — Allen Vaughan scored three touchdowns, and San Clemente survived a 366-yard passing night from Dana Hills quarterback Scott Covington to defeat the host Dolphins, 31-25, Friday in a South Coast League game.

The victory helped the Tritons (6-1, 1-1 in league), the No. 9 team in Orange County, remain in the race for the league title.

The Dolphins fell to 1-6 and 0-2.

Dana Hills did make it interesting at the end of the game when Covington connected with Robert Lathan on a 78-yard scoring pass with 18 seconds to play, and Covington ran in a two-point conversion to make it 31-25.

But the ensuing on-side kick was recovered by San Clemente’s Dylan Newman, and the Tritons ran out the clock.

“This was really scary,” San Clemente Coach Mark McElroy said. “We gave up some big third-down plays, and the defensive backs were not tackling that well. I’m just happy to get out of here with the win.

“Jack Murry (the Dana Hills coach) did a good job preparing for the game. Jack’s always surprising me, and his kids did a fantastic job tonight.”

Covington finished 17 for 34 passing, with two touchdowns. But three passes were intercepted, and San Clemente linebacker Bryan Mata returned one 10 yards for a touchdown.

San Clemente broke a 10-10 halftime tie when Vaughan scored on an 11-yard run.

Vaughan, who carried the ball 35 times for 170 yards, was responsible for all but 10 yards on the 12-play, 80-yard San Clemente drive.

The next time Vaughan touched the football, he scored again, returning a punt by Dana’s Scott Maynard 41 yards.

Vaughan also caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Geoff Buffum in the second quarter.