PREP EXTRA: SATURDAY FOOTBALL PULLOUT : Chatman’s 415 Yards Three Shy of Record

ALISO VIEJO — Costa Mesa’s Charles Chatman rushed for 415 yards Friday night, three shy of the Orange County record set by Dana Hills’ Jim Gleed in 1979.

Chatman not only was the offensive workhorse--he carried the ball 43 times--but he also added a defensive spark during Costa Mesa’s 28-7 Pacific Coast League victory over Aliso Niguel.

“The coach wanted to find out if I was man enough to carry the ball 30 to 40 times and if I was in shape to play both ways,” Chatman said.

Chatman responded on both counts, intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter to slow an Aliso Niguel drive.

Costa Mesa’s scheme, give the ball to Chatman, was evident from the outset. Six consecutive runs by the senior set up the first score, a 19-yard run by Joey Archuletta.

After three plays and a punt, Aliso Niguel was again facing the running prowess of Chatman. On second and one on his own 21, Chatman cut outside and ran untouched 79 yards for a touchdown and a 13-0 Costa Mesa lead.

“The guys up front gave me great blocking all night,” said Chatman. “I just took the holes and ran.”

Aliso Niguel closed to within six (13-7) early in the third quarter when defensive back Johnny Nguyen picked up a Chatman fumble and ran 55 yards for the score. It was Chatman’s third fumble of the night.

“It’s unlike Chatman to fumble that much, “ said Coach Myron Miller. “A slippery ball and a little fatigue may have been the factor.”

Chatman added two more scores in the fourth on runs of 31 and 59 yards before time ran out on his run for the record.