Santa Ana running back Charles Hughes gains yards in the second half of Friday night’s contest against Estancia at Jim Scott Stadium in Costa Mesa. (Photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).
By ALEX SUAREZ
For OC Sports Zone
Santa Ana High School’s football team continued league play, securing its second consecutive Orange Coast League victory by defeating Estancia 40-6 Friday night at Estancia. The Saints, demonstrating dominance over the Eagles, collectively rushed for 280 yards.
Leading the charge for Santa Ana (4-2, 2-0) was senior Charles Hughes, the team’s top rusher, who amassed 148 yards on 13 carries and scored a touchdown. His longest run of the game spanned 62 yards.
“It was a pretty dominant game, we just dominated on all sides of the ball,” said Hughes. “I think we did everything good but we could’ve executed a bit more.”
Saints senior quarterback Sergio Torres contributed to the victory by completing eight passes for 143 yards and rushing for an additional 28 yards. Torres registered two rushing touchdowns and tossed two touchdown passes.
To see the slide show, click on the first photo:
Santa Ana wide receiver Cristian Ramos checks in with the game officials prior to a snap.
Estancia wide receiver Brandon Bettinghausen reacts after a play during the second half of the game against Santa Ana.
Santa Ana corner back Anthony Fields breaks off a pass during the second half of the game against Estancia.
Estancia running back Isaiah Brown is contained by Santa Ana defenders José "Jr." Martínez and Luis Tlachi (7) during the second half of Friday night's contest.
Estancia running back Isaiah Brown is contained by Santa Ana defenders José "Jr." Martínez during the second half of Friday night's contest.
Santa And players on defense await for the next play from the Saints' sidelines.
Santa Ana fans support the Saints on Friday night at Jim Scott Stadium in Costa Mesa.
Estancia quarterback Riley Witte takes off for a run during Friday night's contest against the Santa Ana Saints.
Estancia wide receiver Trey Sánchez leads the Eagles onto the field after the halftime break.
Estancia quarterback Riley Witte drops back to pass after a scramble during Friday night's contest against the Santa Ana Saints.
Santa Ana head coach Rory Schoonmaker reacts after the halftime break.
Santa Ana quarterback Sergio Torres scrambles for a gain during the opening quarter of Friday night's contest against Estancia.
Estancia wide receiver Joseth Zarate Groth hauls in a catch during the final play of the first quarter against Santa Ana.
Estancia Eagles quarterback Riley Witte drops back to pass on Friday night's contest against the Santa Ana Saints.
Santa Ana quarterback Sergio Torres is tackled by Estancia's Jorge Castor Cortinas after a gain.
Santa Ana quarterback Sergio Torres is tackled by two Estancia defenders during the opening stanza at Jim Scott Stadium.
Estancia quarterback Riley Witte releases a pass during Friday night's contest against the Santa Ana Saints.
Santa Ana receiver Adrían Sánchez reacts after a play during the first quarter of Friday night's game against Estancia in Jim Scott Stadium.
Santa Ana quarterback Sergio Torres releases a pass as Estancia's José Anguiano applies pressure.
Santa Ana players enter the field prior to the start of Friday night's players against Estancia.
Estancia players enter the field prior to Friday night's contest against Santa Ana.
Estancia captains Riley Witte, Trey Sanchez and Joseth Zarate Groth walk over to the coin toss.
Santa Ana captains Christian Murillo, Gabriel Ramirez Flores, Sergio Torres and José "Jr." Martínez walk over to the coin toss.
Santa Ana cheerleaders pose during halftime of Friday night's contest at Jim Scott Stadium against Estancia.
Estancia cheerleaders pose during halftime of Friday night's contest at Jim Scott Stadium against Santa Ana.
Santa Ana running back Charles Hughes runs for a gain on Friday night's contest against Estancia in Jim Scott Stadium.
Estancia quarterback Riley Witte goes over plays with Eagles' head coach Mike Bargas.
“It was an extremely frustrating, good performance,” said Santa Ana Coach Rory Schoonmaker. “I credit Estancia, they had a good game plan, held the ball and frustrated us a little on offense and defense.”
Looking ahead, Santa Ana is scheduled to face Calvary Chapel Friday night at Segerstrom with both teams entering the matchup with identical league records. The Saints will look to refine their skills and maintain consistency in preparation for the contest, a home game for Calvary Chapel.
“Offensive consistency and tackling is always a thing with us,” said Schoonmaker. “There is a lot to improve on going forward.”
Orange, which is expected to battle for the league title, was upset by St. Margaret’s 28-22 Friday night.
Estancia (3-2, 0-1) moved the ball effectively throughout the night, but penalties proved to be detrimental to their drives. Estancia had 10 penalties accepted, totaling 60 yards.
The Eagles managed to score late in the third quarter on a 1-yard touchdown run by senior quarterback Riley Witte, who passed for 156 yards on 23 attempts.
Junior wide receiver Joseth Zarate Groth was Estancia’s leading receiver with 80 yards on five catches.
Estancia is set to take on St. Margaret’s on the road next Friday night.
More Stories
PHOTOS: A look at Mater Dei’s preparations on the way to second straight CIF state title
PHOTOS: Portola suffers heartbreaking loss to Arcata in CIF 6-AA State final game
PHOTOS: Mater Dei handles De La Salle for second straight CIF State open title