PHOTOS: El Modena notches road victory over previously undefeated Segerstrom

Brodie Hitchens of El Modena heads to the end zone past Segerstrom defenders for a TD Friday night. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone).

By ALEX SUAREZ

For OC Sports Zone

El Modena High School’s football team won its first game of the season defeating Segerstrom 35-9 in a non-league game Friday night at Segerstrom.

Junior running back Brodie Hitchens led the Vanguards (1-2) finishing with 156 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. Hitchens provided an early lead by breaking off a 49-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. 

“It’s just beautiful, you see that gap open up,” said Hitchens. “Our line was working really hard this week and did a really good job.”

Junior quarterback Xzavior Guess threw for 104 yards and rushed for 76 yards and two touchdowns. Guess kept the Jaguars defense on their toes, creating plays for the Vanguards throughout the game. 

“It’s amazing to have a dual-threat like that to make plays out of nothing,” said Hitchens. “Great guy, great leader and athlete who’s a really big addition for us.”

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Segerstrom takes the field for Friday's game.

El Modena's Ray Grignon carries the ball for a gain.

Segerstrom quarterback Jesse Lopez picks up yards against El Modena.

Segerstrom's Ayden Morales brings down Ryan Holzgang of El Modena.

Segerstrom's Noah Tagaloa attempts to tackle Brodie Hitchens of El Modena.

Xzavior Guess of El Modena dives into the end zone for a TD.

Samuel Jackett of El Modena trips up Isaiah Valdivia of Segerstrom.

El Modena's Troy Parker makes the reception as Nick Cervantes of Segerstrom defends.

El Modena players celebrate a touchdown.

El Modena brings down Andrew Diaz of Segerstrom.

Alex Leonard of El Modena tackles Ayden Morales of Segerstrom.

El Modena players Logan Honikel (No. 10) and Shane Whitehill block a PAT by Segerstrom.

El Modena quarterback Xzavior Guess is under pressure from Segerstrom's Damian Anuu.

El Modena Coach Matt Mitchell said he thought his team played well on both sides of the ball, emphasizing the importance of finding the right pieces and continuing to improve going forward when the Vanguards take on La Habra (2-2) next Friday. 

“Tonight was good, I thought we played good on both sides of the ball,” said Mitchell. “We’re just trying to find the right pieces, get better and keep it going. It was a good team win for us.”

In the first quarter, Segerstrom tied the game at seven with a 1-yard touchdown run by junior quarterback Jesse Lopez. Junior running back Andrew Diaz led the Jaguars with 62 rushing yards on nine carries.

Segerstrom’s special teams pinned the Vanguards inside the 5-yard line early in the fourth quarter. The Jaguars forced a safety on the ensuing play.

Despite the result, Jaguars Coach Joseph Tagaloa expressed satisfaction with the effort the team showed tonight and emphasized this game was just one step towards their larger goals. 

“This wasn’t the final destination. Tonight was one step in what we’re trying to accomplish,” said Tagaloa. “Nothing has been deterred, we’re still on track and we have to learn from what we did today and fix the mistakes and grow.” 

Segerstrom (3-1) faces a quick turnaround, heading to Fontana on Thursday to take on Kaiser High School. 

“Any good team never stays complacent, they’re constantly growing” said Tagaloa. “Win or lose we got to get better for next week.”