PHOTOS: Segerstrom rallies for key 14-7 victory over Katella

Segerstrom quarterback Frankie Gonzalez picks up yards Thursday night. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone)

Segerstrom’s football team rallied from an early deficit to capture a 14-7 Big Four League victory over Katella Thursday night at Glover Stadium to remain in the hunt for the CIF playoffs.

“Last night was a great win for our guys,” Segerstrom Coach Joseph Tagaloa said Friday. “Their resiliency was on full display last night after falling behind 7-0. Our guys battled all night vs. a tough Katella team.

“The offense struggled to put a complete drive together, misfiring on several occasions, but they kept grinding. When given the opportunity, Frankie Gonzalez threw a 3-yard touchdown to Noah Tagaloa that proved to be the game winning touchdown.”

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

Segerstrom's Abram Valadez is brought down by Raymon Perez of Katella.

Katella's Raymon Perez runs by Segerstrom's Noble Acosta.

Segerstrom's Noble Acosta is tackled by Isaac Diaz of Katella.

Katella quarterback Daunte Bell scrambles for yards.

Erik Martinez of Segerstrom tries to elude Katella defenders.

Segerstrom recovers a fumble by Katella.

Noah Tagaloa scores a touchdown for Segerstrom.

Noah Tagaloa of Segerstrom celebrates after scoring a TD.

A pass intended for Segerstrom's Mj Leuma is intercepted by Gabriel Dawson of Katella.

Segerstrom’s defense got the first score when Alijah Sadler intercepted a ball at the 26 and took it back for a 74 yard touchdown in the second quarter to tie the game.”

Segerstom scored another touchdown when Markos Correa returned a fumble for a score, but the play was whistled dead and the officials called the play an incomplete pass, Tagaloa said.

“This play really propelled our defense to come out aggressively in the second half and were able to keep Katella off the scoreboard, Tagaloa said. “The defensive effort was capped off by Alijah Sadler forcing a fumble inside the 12 yard line and Brian Silva hustling down the line to recover the ball ending Katella’s drive in the final minute of the game.”

A number of players stood out for Segerstrom (3-6, 1-1).

“The special teams effort was led by Moises Garcia who was able to reverse field position on all of his punts and Daniel Solano who recovered a fumble on a kick-off,” Tagaloa said.

“Overall I am extremely proud of our guys and their resiliency. We did not play a mistake free game, but we did play hard for four quarters. At the end of the day our motto is to compete every snap and that is exactly what we were able to do tonight. Now it’s time to get ready for another tough team in Garden Grove (Friday at Garden Grove). They are a well coached team who always comes ready to play. I am excited for another opportunity for our guys to compete.”

Katella (4-5, 0-2) wraps up regular season play facing Martina Thursday night at Westminster.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com