(PHOTOS) SUMMER FOOTBALL UPDATE: Segerstrom and Santa Ana Valley tune up for openers

Segerstrom players including MJ Leuma (left) and Paul Mendoza (right) take a break from Thursday’s scrimmage. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone)

Segerstrom and Santa Ana Valley High School football teams tuned up for the start of the season with a scrimmage Thursday night at Santa Ana Valley.

“The scrimmage went well on both sides of the ball,” said Segerstrom Coach Joseph Tagaloa. “Every year going into our scrimmage we hope to get quality reps and get out of there healthy, which is what we were able to do. I was excited to see all our guys get out there and compete against another team. Big shout out to Coach (Alfredo) Macias and his staff for hosting and providing a competitive experience.

“I was happy to see some of our young/inexperienced players line up and get after it. Varsity football is played at tempo that is hard to replicate at practice, which  until you get into a game setting vs. an opponent you really don’t know where you stand.”

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

Tom Guzman of Santa Ana Valley gets ready to throw a pass Thursday.

Quarterback Frankie Gonzales drops back to pass for Segerstrom.

Damien Orejel (left) of Segertrom gets ready to make a block.

Moses Robert of Santa Ana Valley carries the ball.

Freshman Noah Tagaloa, son of Coach Joseph Tagaloa, runs the ball in Thursday's scrimmage.

Segerstrom is scheduled to open the season on Friday, Aug. 20 at North Torrance.

“Moving forward we are excited for the new challenges that we have scheduled this season,” Tagaloa said. “Our preseason schedule is tough, in order to be ready for league play.”

Tagaloa said COVID-19 is still a concern, “but I feel that as a football community we are all taking the necessary steps to keep everyone on the field to the best of our ability.”

Santa Ana Valley Coach Alfredo Macias said the scrimmage was beneficial. His team opens the season on Friday, Aug. 20 vs. Ocean View.

“It was a good way to end fall camp competing vs.a solid program like Segerstrom,” he said. “Our players showed growth and effort and we are proud where the direction of our program is going.”