La Habra’s Giovannetti Proves Too Much for California

LA HABRA —  Jesse Giovannetti rushed for 111 yards in 18 carries and scored two touchdowns to pace La Habra to a 31-15 victory over Whittier California Friday at La Habra High.

It’s the first time La Habra has started 3-0 since 1991.

“He [Giovannetti] can really scoot,” La Habra Coach Rick Milhizer said. “He’s an exciting player to watch.”

Too much so for California’s defense. And if Giovannetti’s performance wasn’t enough, the Condors (2-1) had to put up with Tom White’s battering runs.

White, a 6-foot, 200-pound senior fullback, carried 18 times for 90 yards and made two fine defensive plays. On California’s game-opening drive, White stopped Ruben Hernandez on fourth and one at the Highlander’s 22-yard line.

La Habra then drove 78 yards on 15 plays, with Giovannetti catching a 19-yard pass Robert Morales.

Paul Summers hit on the first of four point-after attempts. He also had a 27-yard field goal.

After California tied it, 7-7, Morales passed 13 yards to Chris Falcioni with 40 seconds remaining in the first half to give La Habra a 14-7 lead.

Giovannetti scored on a four-yard run in the third quarter to push La Habra’s lead to 21-7.