December 22, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

PHOTOS: Effective ground game lifts Santa Ana Valley past Godinez in tough conditions

Santa Ana Valley’s Mario Trujillo carries the ball as Godinez High’s José Matías pursues in the middle of heavy rain during the second quarter of the game. (Photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

Santa Ana Valley running backs Mario Trujillo and Junior Martinez combined to rush for 165 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Falcons to a 35-0 victory over Godinez in a rain-soaked non-league game Friday night at Santa Ana Valley High. 

A steady rain fell, coupled with gusty winds, hampering the passing game for both teams. However, despite the conditions, Trujillo and Martinez established their footings and were extremely effective.

“We’re communicating as a team and we’re riding each other’s backs,” Martinez said. “We played with a lot of energy tonight.”

SAV (3-1) took the opening kickoff and marched 65-yards in seven-plays to take an early lead. Trujillo had a key 36-yard run to spark the drive. Kevin Andrade scored on a six-yard touchdown run, but the Falcons missed the PAT and led 6-0.

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

The Grizzlies (1-3) were dealt a setback when their starting quarterback, Mauricio Martinez, was injured as he was tackled as he completed a run that gave Godinez a first-down late in the first quarter. Martinez remained on the ground for several minutes before getting up and walking off the field on his own power. He left the stadium and was taken to an area hospital for observation.

“We think Mauricio may have a concussion, but we think he’s going to be OK,” said Grizzlies Coach Aaron Kaye.

Junior backup quarterback Kevin Contreras entered the game and guided the Godinez offense for the remainder of the game.

Despite being outgained 167-18 in the opening half, the Grizzlies defense, led by Caleb Orellana and Carlos Valenzo, battled and recorded two sacks and forced two turnovers (on fumbles) while holding the Falcons to a single touchdown in the opening half. 

However, Godinez committed three turnovers in the third quarter and was penalized multiple times in the second half as SAV broke the game open. Trujillo and Martinez had TD runs in the third quarter and backup QB Andres Salado added two second-half TD runs as the Falcons won going away.

“Trujillo and Martinez are our bread and butter,” said SAV Coach Fred Macias. “I’m happy with the win, but we have a lot of things to clean up.”   

Falcons defensive end Juan Prado recorded a pair of sacks in the first half and deflected a couple of passes while leading an aggressive SAV defense. The Falcons limited Godinez to two first downs in the opening 24 minutes.

—Tom Connolly, For OC Sports Zone