Segerstrom ‘showed true character’ in loss to El Modena, Jaguars coach says

Segerstrom QB Jesse Lopez heads towards the end zone to score a touchdown Thursday night. (Photo courtesy Mark Bausman).

Despite seeing his team lose to El Modena Thursday night, Segerstrom Coach Joseph Tagaloa said his squad battled until the end.

“Last night’s game was tough but our guys showed true character and competed all four quarters,” Tagaloa said Friday. 

El Modena (4-0) defeated the Jaguars (3-1) 49-24 in the non-league game at Fred Kelly Stadium.

“We had several bright spots on offense with Jesse Lopez throwing a touchdown and rushing for another,” Coach Tagaloa said. “Nicholas Cervantes had several big catches, one of which he broke a tackle and scored. Ayden Morales also had some big  plays with a big catch for 60 yards setting up our first score. Our rushing attack was led Noah Tagaloa who broke tackles all night and eventually found the end zone.”

Coach Tagaloa said the Segerstrom defense was challenged, led by El Modena’s talented quarterback XZavior Guess.

“Defensively we had our hands full but had some bright spots throughout the night,” he said. “Gilbert Peralta and Henry Beiza played a solid game on the defensive line, while Jullian Hernandez and Joshua Garcia led the linebacker crew. 

“At the end of the day we made far too many mistakes and gave up too many big plays to get the win, but our guys still played at a high level. We will learn from this game and come back better.”

Segerstrom has a bye this week.

“This week we will reevaluate and look to comeback after the bye week ready to finish the season strong,” Tagaloa said.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com