La Habra football lights up the scoreboard in playoff win over El Modena

LA HABRA — It had been four seasons since La Habra opened the CIF-SS football playoffs with an Orange County opponent.

La Habra coach Frank Mazzotta mentioned how much he was looking forward to facing an OC team, and then his team delivered a convincing 41-7 victory over El Modena in a Division 4 first-round game Friday night at La Habra High.

The Highlanders (8-3) will host Cathedral of Los Angeles in the second round next week. The Phantoms beat Western 40-21 on Friday.

Quarterback DJ Mitchell accounted for three total TDs, Kevika Mata’Utia-Martinez ran for 142 yards and two touchdowns, Bryce Vasquez caught six passes for 101 yards and a score, and Bobby Brooks recorded three interceptions for the Highlanders, including a pick-6.

Mazzotta was pleased with the balanced effort.

“Well, I always try to be (balanced), you know,” Mazzota said. “I mean, we’re technically a quote unquote ‘spread team,’ but we are a spread team that runs the ball. We want to be physical in the run game, you know. And it all depends what the defenses do, right? If the box is light, we want to run.”

La Habra also provided impact plays on the other side of the ball as its defense and special teams came up with five overall turnovers (four interceptions, 1 fumble).

Brooks returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter to make it 20-7.

“He’s a special kid,” Mazzota said. “You know, he’s a great baseball player and he loves football and he knows that this is it. You’re not playing football anymore after this. So it really means a lot to him, you know, as a high school football player.”

Mitchell connected with Vasquez on a 41-yard strike to make it 27-7 midway through the third quarter. Mitchell also added a 1-yard score in the fourth, to go with his 19-yard rushing TD that opened the scoring in the first quarter.

Mata’Utia-Martinez collected rushing TDs in the second and fourth quarter, as he ran with a purpose of looking to finish each run with more yards after contact. He seemed to wear down the El Modena defense as the game carried on into the second half.

“He’s that kind of guy, you know, the more touches he gets, the better he gets,” Mazzotta said.

Vanguards QB Ethan Sorenson was harassed by the Highlanders defensive front as they were able to apply pressure, forcing some quick throws.

El Modena (5-6) was able to close the gap before the first half ended with their only scoring drive of the night.

They took advantage of a couple of 15-yard penalties called on La Habra to help keep their drive alive. Sorenson found Sam Jackett for a short 4-yard TD pass with 18 seconds left in the second quarter.

Mazzotta is thrilled for the opportunity to host another postseason game next week.

“A second-round home game is amazing, you know?,” Mazzota said. “It’ll be fun. We haven’t had a second-round home game in a long time, you know? Been on the road a lot.”