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MISSION VIEJO — Capistrano Valley quarterback Tommy Acosta showed off his arm early with a deep touchdown pass. New Crean Lutheran running back Caleb Bey Jr. answered with an explosive scoring run.
The Cougars and Saints also impressed on defense during their scrimmage at Capistrano Valley High on Thursday night.
The combination of offensive and defensive plays provided a bit more insight into two teams ranked in the Orange County preseason Top 25.
Crean Lutheran, ranked No. 11, has generated plenty of chatter in Orange County with a few transfers from the Trinity League, including Bey.
The former Mater Dei freshman running back zig-zagged to a 17-yard TD run up the middle. He later shed several tackles on an 11-yard gain.
“He’s going to be really good,” Crean Lutheran coach Rick Curtis said of the sophomore. “We haven’t had that kind of explosiveness.”
Crean Lutheran senior slot receiver Dash Smith also showed excellent burst in his connections with sophomore quarterback Caden Jones.
On defense, the Saints’ line pressured Acosta with junior end Anthony Jones and senior tackle Tyler Parker leading the way. Daniel McEachern and Ryder Barnes also contributed to the line.
“Our four down linemen are pretty special,” Curtis said,
On the third play of the scrimmage, Acosta stepped up in the pocket and tossed a 40-yard touchdown to junior Cire Jefferson.
Capistrano Valley coach Sean Curtis, the son of Rick Curtis, said afterward the scrimmage that Acosta would be the Cougars’ primary quarterback and not split time with sophomore Talon Spencer as expected. Spencer will mostly play wide receiver and see some action at QB.
“Tommy had a good night,” Sean Curtis said of the senior. “Tommy had a great junior year. He had a great spring and summer, and I think he’s deserving of being the starter. Talon has done a great job being a receiver and doing what’s best for the team.”
The Cougars, ranked No. 16 in the county, defense forced two turnovers, including an interception by sophomore linebacker Charlie Fuller in the end zone. They also recovered a fumble.
Crean Lutheran opens its season Aug. 23 at Mullen of Colorado. Capistrano Valley opens at Moanalua of Hawaii on Aug. 23.
“It’s great people are noticing us,” Rick Curtis said. “(But) it’s how you finish.”
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Former Mater Dei running back Caleb Bey Jr. transfers to Crean Lutheran
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