PHOTOS: Segerstrom converts turnovers into scores for victory over Palm Springs

Segerstrom’s Nick Cervantes makes a catch as Tatum Webster of Palm Springs defends Friday night. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman).

Segerstrom High School’s football team opened the season at home Friday night with a 37-0 non-league victory over Palm Springs. 

The Jaguars (1-0) quickly made an impact on defense, recovering a fumble on the first play of the game. The defense forced three turnovers in their first four defensive series. The Jaguars finished the game with five turnovers forced, three fumbles and two interceptions. 

“I think it was a great effort from everybody tonight,” said Segerstrom Coach Joseph Tagaloa. “Defensively we were able to get to the ball. We’ve been harping on forcing turnovers and we were fortunate to get a few fumbles and interceptions.”

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

Segerstrom Jaguars enter the field for Friday's game.

Segerstrom's Gilbert Peralta puts pressure on quarterback Bishop Miller.

Segerstrom's No. 21 Ayden Morales and Jullian Hernandez strip the ball from Palm Springs QB Bishop Miller.

Segerstrom's Cristian Ramos hauls in a TD in the end zone as Lee Damonte of Palm Springs defends.

Segerstrom quarterback Jesse Lopez scrambles for a gain.

A pass intended for Segerstrom's Noah Tagaloa is intercepted by Koa Rapoa of Palm Springs.

Segerstrom's Nick Cervantes evades the Palm Springs defender Tatum Webster.

Segerstrom Coach Joseph Tagaloa sends in the play with Gabriel Vergara.

Segerstrom's Nick Cervantes intercepts the ball.

Noah Whitacre picks up yards for Palm Springs.

Segerstrom's Nick Cervantes evades Palm Springs defender Matthew Givens.

Mario Lopez and Joseph Garcia of Segerstrom bring down Damonte Lee of Palm Springs.

Ayden Morales of Segerstrom finds a hole and picks up yardage.

Christian Ramos, a transfer from Santa Ana High School, finished the game with four catches for 79 yards. Ramos had a 14-yard touchdown reception and another for 9-yards. 

Nick Cervantes led the Jaguars in receiving, with 104 total yards on three catches and a 39-yard rush. Cervantes also had a 18-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter.

“I love setting the tone, overall it was just a good win for the team,” said Cervantes. “We set the tone for the season and showed everyone who we are and who we can be.”

Jaguar quarterback Jesse Lopez completed six passes for 139 yards and threw two touchdowns. Noah Tagaloa was the leading rusher with 64 yards on 11 carries. 

Jordan Johnson was the leading rusher for Palm Springs (0-1) with 39-yards on 15 carries. Alijah Stangl was the leading receiver with 33 yards on one catch. 

“I’m excited, I wasn’t sure what to expect, you know game one is always the what ifs kind of thing,” Tagaloa said. “Our biggest concern is just growing, we have to continue to get better; we can’t sit back and look at victory and say we did it. We got to continue to work and continue to get better and play consistent football.”

Segerstrom will face Santa Ana Valley next Friday at home.