Lightning ends University vs. Century football game in Santa Ana early

It was a challenging night for many Orange County football teams and their fans Friday night as a rainstorm hit much of the county.

There were no reports of cancellations.

But the game between University and Century at Century in Santa Ana was called at halftime with University leading 34-0 after lightning was spotted, according to University Athletic Director Tom Shrake, who was not at the game but checked Friday night on what had happened.

“The word I am getting is Uni was up 34-0 at the end of the second quarter,” Shrake said. “Someone saw lightning. The game got called with Uni getting the win. I wasn’t there or involved in the decision so I can’t speak to specifics beyond that.”

University statistican and public address announcer Daryl Bogard said he was with the University team in the locker-room when the game was called. While Bogard said he did not see the lighting strike, he said others did.

Century Athletic Director Matt Cavanaugh could not be reached for comment Friday night by OC Sports Zone.

Running clocks are typically used when teams have at least a 35-point lead going into the fourth quarter.

University evened its record at 2-2 while Century dropped to 0-3.

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