September 18, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

PHOTOS: El Modena keeps rolling with win over previously undefeated Segerstrom

El Modena QB Xzavior Guess runs the ball as Segerstrom’s Roman Saucedo defends Thursday night. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman).

El Modena High School’s football team remained undefeated with a 49-24 non-league victory over previously undefeated Segerstrom Thursday night at Fred Kelly Stadium.

The Vanguards (4-0) were led offensively by quarterback XZavior Guess. Jeremy Russell, Connor Smith, Cooper Nagele (92 yard kickoff return) and Shane Leslie were among the players who scored touchdowns for El Modena.

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

Guess connected with Leslie on an 8-yard TD pass and Ethan Sorenson kicked the point after to put El Modena ahead 49-24 with 4:30 left in the game.

“Great team win last night,” said El Mo Coach Matt Mitchell on Friday. “Our linemen on both sides of the ball made the difference for us at the end of the night.”

Guess completed 14 of 22 passes for 271 yards and four TD passes, Mitchell said. He also had nine carries for 96 yards.

Hitchens had eight carries for 79 yards and one rushing TD. He also had three catches for 57 yards and one receiving TD and seven tackles on defense.

Smith had five catches for one TD and Mason Romo and Andrew Alvarez each had six tackles and one sack each.

Quarterback Jesse Lopez had a TD run and Nick Cervantes scored a TD for Segerstrom (3-1).

The El Modena community has also been supporting the Tafua Family this last week. Lisa Tafua, the mother of El Modena player Christian Tafua, died on Sept. 1 after battling a rare form of lung cancer, Mitchell said.

Fans and school officials honored her memory before the game.

“I’m proud of our community being supportive of the family and great to see everyone coming together when support is needed,” Mitchell said.

El Modena plays on the road next Friday vs. Mission College Prep while Segerstrom has a bye.