PREP NOTES

An influx of football players has made a difference to the Laguna Hills boys’ soccer team.

Laguna Hills (5-3-1) was not ranked in the Orange County Coaches’ poll when the Hawks upset top-ranked and previously unbeaten Capistrano Valley, 2-0, Tuesday night. But with the addition of three players from the football team, which won the Division VII title Dec. 13, the Hawks are much stronger.

The three--Devon Higgins, the Hawks’ kicker; Ryan Miller, a punter and receiver, and Brandon Wenzel, a defensive back--played their first soccer match, a 2-1 victory over San Clemente Saturday in the consolation final at the Irvine tournament, the day after their football victory.

A 2-0 loss to El Toro Monday was followed by the upset of Capistrano Valley.

The football players had an immediate impact. Higgins recorded a shutout as goalkeeper against Capistrano Valley, and Miller, a center halfback, scored the winner against San Clemente.

“The boys coming out from football are playing a real important role,” Laguna Hills Coach Scott Johnson said. “Against Capistrano Valley was the first time we were able to go with a set lineup. They have been the key to our success.”

Junior Ryan Geyer, a football wide receiver, is expected to join the team as a halfback after recovering from a football injury.