Notre Dame football pulls away from Laguna Beach

SHERMAN OAKS — It didn’t take long for Notre Dame running back Noel Washington to make an impact in his first-ever football playoff game.

The sophomore’s first offensive touch of the game culminated in a 35-yard rushing touchdown, as he sidestepped would-be tacklers and sprinted down the right sideline for the score.

It was the first of three rushing touchdowns for Washington, who helped the Knights set the tone early on their way to a 44-28 win over Laguna Beach on Friday night in the opening round of the CIF Southern Section Division 3 playoffs.

“We started off strong and set the tone. We did our thing,” Washington said. “We put in so much work, so much film we watch. The offensive line did their thing tonight. I’m just happy I get to be here and play with my guys.”

It wasn’t just Washington who helped propel Notre Dame’s ground attack. Quarterback Wyatt Brown utilized his legs to extend plays and grind for first downs.

Late in the third quarter, Brown scored a 10-yard rushing touchdown on a designed quarterback keeper.

Brown’s dual-threat ability opened up Notre Dame’s offense, allowing the senior quarterback to make use of his arm as the Knights manufactured scoring drives.

Brown connected with his wideouts on several big plays, including seven completions that went for 15 yards or more.

His pass to Emmanuel Pullins on third-and-17 late in the fourth quarter resulted in a first down and led to a 21-yard made field goal for Notre Dame that sealed the win.

“We had two false starts right before that and I was like, ‘Coach trust me, don’t change the play,’” Brown said. “I knew I’d have to buy some time and step up in the pocket. But all credit to E-Man and that O-Line for making it happen.”

The Breakers turned the ball over twice in the first half, a fumble deep in Notre Dame territory and an interception by Tahj Skinner that led to a Notre Dame score.

Despite the turnovers, Laguna Beach was able to hang tight with Notre Dame. Junior quarterback Jack Hurst threw two first-half touchdown passes, including a 4-yard touchdown pass to Will Kimball with four seconds left before halftime.

But Notre Dame was able to put a stop to any potential momentum coming out of the half.

On the Breakers’ opening drive of the second half, a high snap hit the hands of Hurst and went over his head, and Andre Gamboa recovered the fumble and scored to give Notre Dame a 28-14 lead.

The Breakers kept clawing back, and Hurst threw his third touchdown of the game to Grant Regal. He found Otis Boultinghouse for a 40-yard touchdown to start the fourth quarter.

But the Brown-to-Pullins connection that earned the Knights a first down allowed them to keep burning the clock.

Senior wideout Luc Weaver also made his return after missing several games during the regular season due to injury.

The USC commit caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from Brown, muscling his way through defenders to find paydirt.

“When we’re on that field together, that chemistry and that trust we have with each other is great. But all credit to him for getting open,” Brown said of Weaver. “Literally all the receivers I can trust. And we keep building more chemistry by the week.”

Notre Dame will host Chino Hills, a 42-35 winner over Mira Costa, next week in the second round of the postseason.