PHOTOS: Santa Ana Valley defeats Anaheim for second straight Orange League victory

Santa Ana Valley‘s Bryan Solis returns a punt for the Falcons as Anaheim’s defensive back Devin Fuller pursues during the first half Friday night. (Photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

By ALEX SUAREZ

For OC Sports Zone

Santa Ana Valley’s High School football team defeated Anaheim 34-19 in an Orange League matchup Friday night at Santa Ana Valley for its second straight league win.

Santa Ana Valley (3-4, 2-0) engaged in a closely contested game in the first half but later took the lead. The Falcons defense played a crucial role in stopping the Colonists offense on Friday night. 

“It was a tough game to start off, both teams kind of sizing each other up,” said Santa Ana Valley Coach Fred Macias. “We made some adjustments in the second half and came out, did our job and executed. It came out in our favor.”

In the second quarter, senior wide receiver Julian Pimentel scored on a 77-yard touchdown reception, giving the Falcons a four point lead heading into halftime. Pimentel ended the night as the leading receiver with 105 yards on four catches. He credited the big play to his quarterback Bruce Sanchez. 

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

Santa Ana Valley running back Damian Roldan gains yards as teammate Diego Quiroz applies a block.

Santa Ana Valley quarterback Bruce Sánchez receives pressure from Anaheim defensive linemen Alex Olivas.

Santa Ana Valley Damian Roldan gains yards for the Falcons during the second half.

Anaheim football players take the field before the start of the second half.

Santa Ana Valley wide receiver Bryan Solis runs into the field in between plays for the Falcons.

Anaheim football players take the field before the start of the second half.

A member of the Anaheim pep squad cheers for the Colonists during the first half of Friday's contest at Santa Ana Valley.

Santa Ana Valley running back Julian Pimentel takes a touchdown reception to the end zone in the dying stages of the first half.

Santa Ana Valley running back Julian Pimentel signals before a snap during the second half of Friday night's contest against Anaheim.

Santa Ana Valley football head coach Fred Macías fist pumps his players just before halftime.

Anaheim quarterback MJ Fernández receives pressure from the Santa Ana Valley defensive line in the closing stages of the second quarter.

Anaheim's Jason Garrett takes the field during the second half of Friday night's contest against Valley.

A member of the Santa Ana Valley pep squad follows the Falcons' game closely.

Santa Ana Valley fullback Diego Quiroz carries the ball for the Falcons as Anaheim's linebacker Joseph Valle applies the tackle.

Anaheim's quarterback MJ Fernández receives pressure from Santa Ana Valley's Frankie Muñoz.

Santa Ana Valley's Bruce Sánchez receives pressure from Anaheim's Joshua Meza during the second quarter of Friday's contest.

Anaheim's running back Art Velázquez looks over to the Colonists' sidelines for the upcoming play.

Anaheim's Steven Nava makes a reception for the Colonists as Santa Ana Valley's corner back Daniel Salas is in coverage.

Anaheim's Steven Nava makes a reception for the Colonists as Santa Ana Valley's corner back Daniel Salas is in coverage.

Anaheim football coach Lanny Booher looks on during the second quarter of Friday night's contest at Santa Ana Valley.

Anaheim's running back Art Velázquez runs for yardage dung the first half of Friday's game against Santa Ana Valley.

Anaheim's MJ Fernández releases a pass during the first quarter of the game against Santa Ana Valley.

Anaheim receiver Armando Torres Gaeta runs for yardage during the first quarter of Friday's game against Santa Ana Valley.

Anaheim wide receiver Jeremiah Castro is brought down by Santa Ana Valley's Alex Cordova during the first quarter of the game.

Santa Ana Valley players (led by Dominic Uloa) come out of the inflatable tunnel and into the field for Friday night's contest against Anaheim.

Santa Ana Valley wide receiver Julian Pimentel poses for the camera after his 77-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter.

Two senior members of Santa Ana Valley's pep squad pose for the cameras prior to Friday's contest against Anaheim.

Santa Ana Valley's receiver Bryan Solis walks with his family during Senior Night for the Falcons.

Anaheim wide receiver Xavier Aviles runs for yardage during the first quarter of Friday's game at Santa Ana Valley.

Anaheim quarterback MJ Fernández drops back to pass during the first quarter of Friday's game at Santa Ana Valley.

Santa Ana Valley captains Francisco Padilla, Diego Quiroz, Damian Roldan, and Enrique Banda get ready to walk over to the coin toss.

Anaheim captains Alan Jaimes, Derick Bojorquez,
Joseph Valle, and MJ Fernández pose before the coin toss.

Santa Ana Valley wide receiver Julian Pimentel is announced with his family during Senior Night introductions.

Anaheim defensive back Jeremiah Castro looks on in between plays during Friday night's game at Santa Ana Valley.

“That big play was all on the quarterback,” said Pimentel. “We have the connection from playing with each other all four years here.”

Sanchez, the senior QB, finished the game completing eight passes for 173 yards, while senior running back Damian Roldan led in rushing with 59 yards and a rushing touchdown. 

The Falcons will face Western at home next Friday in another challenging league matchup. 

“We have to play way above our heads and really come out and execute,” Macias said. “It’s going to be a battle for us, but I think we’re ready.”  

Anaheim (3-4, 1-1) scored first in the game with a 14-yard touchdown reception by Jeremiah Castro. Junior Jason Garett later scored twice on a 12-yard reception and a 13-yard reception in the third and fourth quarters. 

Colonists’ senior quarterback MJ Fernandez finished the game with 218 passing yards on eight completions. Senior wide receiver Ivan Marin led the team in receiving yards with 82 on five catches. 

Anaheim will hit the road again next Thursday before its third league matchup against Magnolia.

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