PHOTOS: Santa Ana stays undefeated in league with dominating win over Estancia

Santa Ana running backs Jayderick García (left) and Stephen Hughes high-five after García scored his third touchdown of the game in the second quarter. Both players had significant roles in the Saints’ win over Estancia. (Photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

Santa Ana High School’s football team used a strong running game, a stingy defense and outstanding special teams play to win its third consecutive game and remain undefeated in Orange Coast League play.

Jayderick Garcia scored three touchdowns and rushed for 107 yards as the Saints (4-2, 2-0) defeated Estancia 53-0 Friday night at Santa Ana Stadium.

“Our O-line made key adjustments and we just kept grinding,” said Garcia.  

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

Santa Ana scored four touchdowns in the second quarter to break the game open.

On its second possession of the game, Garcia scored on a 12-yard TD run to give Santa Ana a 6-0 advantage. Saints linebacker Michael Hughes recovered a fumble on the Eagles 17-yard line on the first play of the second quarter and Santa Ana was once again on a roll.

Moments later, Garcia raced in from five yards to up the Saints lead to 12-0. Santa Ana special teamer Brian Sanchez-Flores recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff and six plays later Garcia notched his third touchdown of the game, this one on a 7-yard TD run making it 19-0. Garcia also had a TD run nullified by a penalty and was stripped of the ball near the goal line on another carry.   

Stephen Hughes and Gabriel Flores added short TD runs later in the quarter as the Saint built a 32-0 halftime lead.

Santa Ana’s offensive line of Peleitala Fa’Aloua, Jose Martinez, Adrian Bahena, Christian Murillo and Jonathon Meza, dominated the trenches as the Saints complied 298 yards of offense in the opening half.

Sergio Torres tossed a pair TDs in the second half to Adrian Sanchez and Joseph Foster and Jacob Cervantes had a TD run to complete the Saints scoring.

“It feels great to be undefeated in league,” said offensive guard Jose Martinez. “The offensive line pushed hard and the team played well together.”    

Santa Ana’s defense, led by Joshua Sandoval, Julian Plascencia, Kevin Osorio and Jose Martinez, helped forced three Estancia turnovers and held the Eagles without a first down in the first-half after their first possession of the game. 

“It’s nice to win, especially in league, but we still have a lot of work to do, because we know what’s waiting for us ahead,” said Saints Coach Charlie TeGantvoort.

Alexis Galindo led Estancia with 70 yards rushing.

The Eagles (2-3, 0-1) leading rusher Noah Aires did not play Friday night after suffering a concussion during last week’s game La Quinta, according to Coach Mike Bargas.

The Saints were awarded a forfeit win this week after it was discovered that Long Beach Millikan used an ineligible player during its game against Santa Ana to open the season.

—Tom Connolly, For OC Sports Zone