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IRVINE — Orange Lutheran’s Makena Cook described her recovery from a broken leg in February as a long, “unseen journey” full of struggle but guided by faith.

On Wednesday, both elements helped Cook dazzle in her first game since the injury.

The junior threw four first-half touchdowns to four different receivers to lead the Lancers’ top-ranked girls flag football team to a season-opening 33-0 win at Woodbridge.

“It’s all worth it in the end to be able to be back here and to keep playing,” Cook said of her rehabilitation. “It was fun to be back. I’m excited.”

Cook, The Register’s reigning O.C. player of the year, capped the opening possession by rolling to her right to throw a short touchdown pass to sophomore Anna Paquette.

On the Lancers’ next series, Cook scrambled to her left before connecting with All-County wide receiver Josie Anderson for a 10-yard TD strike.

Orange Lutheran’s defense set the stage for Cook’s third touchdown pass.

Sophomore Claire Dahmen, a first-year player for the Lancers, snagged an interception. On the next play from scrimmage, Cook unleashed about a 50-yard touchdown pass to freshman Happy Dubois, who is part of the 15-and-under national team.

“She certainly hasn’t lost any of her ability to throw,” Orange Lutheran coach Kristen Sherman said with a smile of Cook.

“And I think she’ll just continue to get even better (with her agility) as the season goes on. She’s been out since February, so very encouraged with how quickly we’re seeing her look better than expected.”

Cook closed the half by lofting a TD to Dahmen in the front corner of the end zone.

In the second half, Cook was replaced at quarterback by Alyssa McClure but continued to punt, which is now allowed in the new rules for girls flag football.

After the game, another sign of Cook’s progress surfaced. She quickly began to remove her football cleats to prepare for soccer practice with the Slammers club team.

Cook, who recently committed to Georgia for soccer, recalled the most important part of her comeback.

“Just keeping God in the front and the center of everything,” she said. “That reminded me in the darkest times, when I thought I didn’t have anyone, I knew I always had Him. That was something that keep me going.”

Orange Lutheran returns to play Friday and Saturday in the Chargers’ Girls Flag Invitational at the Great Park and Beckman. The final is Saturday at Beckman at 7:45 p.m.

Woodbridge, a young team led by speedy freshman quarterback Delia Stone, fell to 0-2. The Warriors feature five freshmen on their varsity team.