A look back at recent games in the Santa Ana vs. Orange rivalry, possibly ending this year

Santa Ana and Orange football teams are gearing up for Friday’s showdown. (Photos and Illustration: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

(Second in a series of previews for Friday’s game)

Santa Ana High School and Orange High School football teams have developed an intense rivalry over the years as they battle for supremacy in the Orange Coast League.

The game typically comes down to the final week of the season.

That will be the case again this year when the two teams meet at Fred Kelly Stadium Friday night at 7. Santa Ana has already clinched a share of the league title while Orange is looking to win a share of it with a victory.

This year’s game could be the last league meeting between the two teams with re-leaguing scheduled to take place next season. It’s possible the two could continue a non-league series which less on the line.

To read about this year’s game, click here:

OC Sports Zone has provided in-depth coverage of the game since it began publishing in Orange County in 2018. And it will again do that on Friday night with coverage by Fernando M. Donado, who has photographed all of these games written about two and writer Tom Connolly, who has covered others.

The 2020 match-up was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic which shut down high school sports and the game for that season was held in April with the Saints winning 36-34.

Here’s a look back at those games.

Story links

2018:

Santa Ana powers to 29-0 victory over Orange to capture Orange Coast League title

2019

PHOTOS: Orange rolls past Santa Ana 57-13 to capture outright league crown

2021 (April)

PHOTOS: Late field goal lifts Santa Ana to thrilling 36-34 comeback win over Orange for league title

2021 (October)

PHOTOS: Boykin propels Orange to league title with 41-21 win over Santa Ana

2022

PHOTOS: Orange powers past Santa Ana in showdown to repeat as league champs

Check back later in the week for more coverage!