PHOTOS: Strong defensive play leads El Modena to road victory over Segerstrom

Nathan De La Vega of El Modena is tackled by Joshua Garcia of Segerstrom. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman).

El Modena’s football team opened the season Friday night with a 20-6 non-league road victory over Segerstrom.

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

Segerstrom quarterback Noah Martinez hands off to Adrian Cervantes.

Joseph Garcia of Segerstrom tackles Ethan Sorenson of El Modena.

El Modena lines up before the game.

Segerstrom's Adrian Cervantes cuts to the outside and is brought down by El Modena's Isaac Perez.

Nathan De La Vega of El Modena spins for a gain.

Segerstrom's Eddie Anu breaks free and is brought down by El Modena players.

Segerstrom quarterback Noah Martinez, with the QB keeper, scores a touchdown.

Segerstrom's Jullian Hernandez tackles El Modena's
Hayden Esparza.

Coach Matt Mitchell said the defensive unit led his team. Junior Daniel Mendez had eight tackles and one tackle for a loss and junior Aiden Sullivan had five tackles.

Senior two-way starter Hayden Esparza had four tackles, two tackles for a loss and one sack and had one rushing touchdown.

Offensively, the Vanguards senior quarterback Ethan Sorenson had one rushing touchdown and one passsing TD and according to Mitchell, “he kept the Vanguard offense balanced through the evening.”

Mitchell was pleased overall with the effort of his squad.

“I thought we played well last night for game one, lots of room for improvement,” he said. “Great group of hard working guys that are playing for each other and not themselves. Need to keep taking steps forward before we get to the balanced and challenging Delta League.”

Segerstrom Coach Joseph Tagaloa said his team (1-1) battled.

“Last night was a hard fought battle with a tough team,” Tagaloa said. “Overall I was happy with our effort and proud we competed for four quarters. Ultimately we made too many mental mistakes to be able to get the victory. 

“We did have some guys who played really well for us. On defense Joshua Garcia was flying around from his safety position making tackles at the line of scrimmage and defending against the pass in the secondary.

“On offense Eddie Anuu ran hard setting between tackles and quarterback Noah Martinez was able to make plays with his legs. Special teams was led by kicker Josh Martinez. He flipped the field with his first punt that was downed at the 1-yard line by Aiden Valencia and Richard Ramirez.”

Segerstrom plays at Barstow Friday night.

“We look to re-group and focus on our next opponent, as we travel to Barstow who are defending CIF champions,” Tagaloa said.

El Modena plays at Tesoro Friday night.

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