ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: PREP EXTRA : SUNSET LEAGUE : Vazquez Puts the Barons Out of Reach

COSTA MESA — Huntington Beach proved it’s not far behind Fountain Valley. Just miles from catching Joey Vazquez.

Vazquez single-handedly put the Oilers out of contention by scoring three touchdowns and intercepting three passes in Fountain Valley’s 45-6 victory over Huntington Beach Thursday night at Orange Coast College.

The victory gives Fountain Valley (7-3, 3-2) the third playoff spot in the Sunset League.

Huntington Beach (3-7, 0-5) was competitive against the Barons in the first half, even outgaining them, 180-169, in total yards.

The difference was Vazquez, who caught first-half touchdown passes of 27 and 60 yards from quarterback Mitch Ryerson.

After opening the game with a 27-yard reception, Vazquez found an opening over the middle on fourth and 15 and ran untouched into the end zone.

The Oilers responded with an impressive drive that reached the Barons’ 30, but after Matt Pistilli fumbled, Vazquez scored two plays later on a 60-yard pass play.

Vazquez then grabbed the first of his three interceptions to stall another Huntington Beach drive in Fountain Valley territory.

The second half was dominated by the Barons as they forced four turnovers, including two interceptions by Vazquez, one of which was returned for a touchdown.

They jumped to a 24-0 lead on Ian Gruca’s 33-yard field goal and pulled away when Huntington Beach botched the snap on a punt and Yamile Fernandez ran in from 12 yards on the next play.

Vazquez then stepped in front of a Huntington Beach receiver and returned his third interception 35 yards for a 38-0 lead.