PHOTOS: Segerstrom clinches trip to CIF playoffs with victory over Katella

Segerstrom’s Isaiah Valdivia heads down field as Brandon Sepulveda of Katella defends. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman).

Segerstrom High School’s football team clinched a berth as the No. 2 team from the Big Four League for the CIF playoffs with a 36-24 victory over Katella Friday night in the regular season finale.

Segerstrom, 3-7 overall, finished 2-1 in the league. Katella (3-7, 1-2) can apply for an at-large berth. Pairings will be announced Sunday morning and OC Sports Zone will publish.

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

Segerstrom's Noah Tagaloa hands the official the ball after scoring a TD.

Segerstrom's Noah Tagaloa celebrates with Jalen Cervantes after a touchdown.

Katella's Daniel Viramontes straight arms Segerstrom's Jonathan Acevedo.

Segerstrom's Diego Hernandez makes a PAT as Gabriel Dawson attempts to block the kick.

Katella's Raymon Perez is brought down by several Segerstrom players.

Katella quarterback Isaac Diaz heads for the safety of the sidelines.

Segerstrom's Noble Acosta leaps over defenders for a gain.

Katella's Daniel Viramontes stiff arms Segerstrom's Jonathan Acevedo.

Segerstrom's Noble Acosta with the ball, loses his helmet and comes up smiling.

Katella's Raymon Perez scores a touchdown.

Segerstrom's Nicholas Cervantes intercepts the ball from Katella and brings the game to an end.

“Last night our team came out and played a great game,” Segerstrom Coach Joseph Tagaloa said Saturday. “Everyone understood what was at stake and they stepped up to meet the challenge.

“Offensively we had multiple guys making big plays for us to help us get out in front. Jesse Lopez made some great throws all night. Noah Tagaloa, Noble Acosta and Isaiah Valdivia led the rushing attack for the Jaguars

“Defensively we got a collective effort from all 11 guys on the field. We talk about getting 11 hats to the ball, and that’s what we tried to do all night. Our special teams played a solid game as well.”

Tagaloa was pleased to see the Jaguars qualify for the CIF playoffs.

“We are excited to be able to compete another week and look forward to the challenge ahead,” he said. “We understand that once you make the playoffs anything can happen. Our team is battle tested and ready to go out there and compete. We will find out on Sunday who our opponent is.”

Segerstrom stepped up its non-league schedule, playing Thousand Oaks (10-0), Trabuco Hills (7-3), El Modena (10-0) and Laguna Beach (7-3). While the Jaguars lost those games, it could have a bearing on their seeding for the playoffs.

Segerstrom’s non-league win came against Santa Ana Valley (8-2).

The Jaguars kept their playoff hopes alive last week with a 44-30 victory over Marina.