PHOTOS: Segerstrom clinches playoff berth and keeps title hopes alive with road victory

Isaiah Valdivia of Segerstrom cuts around the Argo defenders. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman).

By ALEX SUAREZ

For OC Sports Zone

Segerstrom High School’s football team secured its second consecutive Big 4 League victory, defeating Garden Grove 31-14 at Garden Grove Thursday night to clinch a spot in the CIF playoffs.

The Jaguars (6-3, 2-0) also have a shot at the league title.

In the first quarter, Segerstrom initiated the scoring when junior defensive end Gilbert Peralta scooped up the football and returned it 70-yards for the defensive touchdown. Isaiah Valdivia caused the fumble that led to this play. The Jaguars defense finished the game with three interceptions and a fumble. 

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

Garden Grove's Quentin Pacelli is brought down by Ayden Morales of Segerstrom.

Segerstrom's Gilbert Peralta picks up the fumble and takes it in for six. Nick Cervantes on the left, and Adam Garcia escort him into the end zone.

Eric Fernandez and Malikai Beatty celebrate a Garden Grove TD.

Garden Grove's Quentin Pacelli plows through Segerstrom players to pick up extra yards.

Ayden Morales of Segerstrom attempts to stop Eric Fernandez from scoring.

Andrew Diaz of Segerstrom cuts to the outside and picks up extra yards

Isaiah Valdivia (left) and Nick Cervantes of Segerststrom stop Malikai Beatty of Garden Grove.

Isaiah Valdivia escapes and gains extra yards for Segerstrom.

Segerstrom defenders put pressure on resulting in an interception.

“Izzy had the strip and Gilbert took it to the house,” said Segerstrom Coach Joseph Tagaloa. “That was a big momentum swing as far as the game goes.” 

The Jaguars employed six different rushers and amassed 312 rushing yards. Valdivia led in rushing with 152 yards on 16 carries, including a 61-yard rushing touchdown early in the third quarter. 

“I’m a downhill runner, I can make some moves but that’s my first goal,” Valdivia said. “That’s my first goal, just pounding the ball and getting those carries.”

The Jaguars will host Marina at home next Friday, aiming to secure the Big 4 league title. Marina (4-4, 1-0) plays Katella Saturday afternoon at Glover Stadium.

“Next week we’ll be competing for a league title,” Tagaloa said. “I’m excited; we’re going to come out here, prepare and do what we can to come out next week and compete.”

Garden Grove (2-7, 0-2) was led by senior wide receiver Eric Fernandez, who accumulated 116 yards and two touchdowns. HIs longest reception resulted in a 56-yard touchdown, narrowing the gap to six points in the third quarter for the Argonauts.  

Senior running back Pablo Reyes carried the ball for 48 yards on 14 attempts and added seven receiving yards. Senior quarterback Branden Roth completed nine passes for 156 yards and rushed for 58 yards on 10 carries. The Argonauts concluded the game with 118 yards rushing yards. 

Garden Grove will conclude its league season against Katella next Friday at home.