PHOTOS: After loss to St. Bernard’s, Segerstrom gets ready for league opener

Adam Garcia  of Segerstrom pushes off Michael Fugate of St. Bernard’s (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman).

After dropping its final non-league game to St. Bernard’s Friday night, Segerstrom’s football team prepares for the start of Big 4 League play Thursday night vs. Katella at Glover Stadium.

St. Bernard’s rallied for a 28-26 victory over the Jaguars on homecoming Friday night.

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

Segerstrom's Jason Salazar takes it in for a touchdown.

Segerstrom's Mokey Leuma brings down Wyatt Simoni of St. Bernard's.

Jason Salazar picks up yardage for Segerstrom.

Isaiah Valdivia finds a hole and picks up yards for Segerstrom.

Ayden Morales of Segerstrom brings down St. Bernard player Michael Manzi after his reception.

Segerstrom's Anthony Ruiz celebrates the two-point conversion.

St. Bernard's QB Trenten Hagler is brought down by Anthony Gomez of Segerstrom.

DE Francisco Rosas launches a pass for Segerstrom.

Segerstrom's Roman Saucedo and Nick Cervantes attempt to block PAT by St. Bernard's Tyler Hinrichs.

“Our guys came out with something to prove and played hard for all four quarters. Our defense was led by Damien Orejel and Mokey Leuma and played well for most of the night,” Segerstrom Coach Joseph Tagaloa said.

“Offensively we relied on our running backs who stepped up to the challenge. We were carried by Isaiah Valdivia, Jason Salazar and Adam Garcia throughout the night. Unfortunately it was our mistakes that cost us the victory. Still this is a learning experience for our guys. We talk about learning every time we step on the field so that we grow and are prepared for our league opponents.

“I believe that is where we are at. We have been forced to overcome a ton of adversity thus far, which I think is only going to make us stronger going into our league opener vs Katella Thursday night. Opening up league play on the road and having a short week to prepare, presents another challenge, but I am confident that our guys are ready to respond.”

The Jaguars (4-3 overall) will begin preparations for Thursday’s game on Monday.

“Our goal is to play for a league championship and make a run into the playoffs,” Tagaloa said. “The first step to reaching our goal is going to be Thursday night vs. Katella. Our league is always competitive, so if you want to play for a league title and have a chance to make the playoffs you have to find a way to win.

“Every opponent is dangerous so we have to be focused and prepared  every time we step on the field. You cannot overlook anyone and you have to make plays. That is our approach going into league play. Every game is a playoff caliber game and we have to make plays if we want to have the opportunity to play for a title.”