Corona del Mar’s Perfect Season Ends in OT Thriller Against Yorba Linda, Score 34-28 (2025)

Yorba Linda – Nathan Shapell Memorial Stadium (YLHS)

Yorba Linda stormed back from a 14-point deficit to stun previously unbeaten Corona del Mar 35-28 in overtime on Thursday night, clinching a share of the Bravo League championship and handing the Sea Kings their first loss of the season.

The Mustangs (8-2, 4-1) turned to their ground game in the second half, running the ball on 28 of their final 31 plays. Senior running back Isaiah Trujillo was unstoppable down the stretch, scoring three rushing touchdowns — including the 4-yard game-winner in overtime — as Yorba Linda completed one of the biggest comebacks of the year. On the Sea Kings’ first play in overtime, Thomas Knutson intercepted a pass to seal the victory, sending the home sideline into celebration.

Corona del Mar (9-1, 4-1) appeared to be in full control through the first two quarters. After falling behind 7-0, quarterback Brady Annett led a first-half surge with three unanswered touchdowns. He capped a long drive with a 1-yard keeper to tie the game, then tossed a 15-yard touchdown to Dorsett Stecker to give CdM its first lead. Moments later, Garrett James made a spectacular one-handed grab in the end zone for another touchdown, stretching the Sea Kings’ advantage to 21-7.

Momentum swung immediately after halftime. Yorba Linda’s kickoff was mishandled by CdM, and Andrew Maldonado pounced on the loose ball at the 19-yard line. Five plays later, Trujillo barreled into the end zone from three yards out, cutting the deficit to 21-14.

“That was huge,” said head coach Jeff Bailey. “We challenged our guys at halftime to play with pride and get after it, and that play really sparked us.”

The Mustangs tied it up early in the fourth quarter when Noah Trujillo connected with Troy Roberts on an 8-yard touchdown. CdM briefly regained the lead on Annett’s third touchdown pass — a 7-yard strike to Stecker — but Yorba Linda’s physical offensive line powered a final drive that reached the red zone in the closing minutes. Facing fourth-and-5 from the 16, the Mustangs converted, and Vaughan Sharp punched it in from two yards out with just over a minute left to force overtime.

In the extra frame, Yorba Linda’s offense stayed true to its strength, pounding the ball six straight times before Trujillo crossed the goal line for the decisive score.

With the victory, Yorba Linda finishes tied atop the Bravo League standings with CdM and San Juan Hills (all 4-1). Both the Mustangs and Sea Kings are expected to open next week in the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs.