PHOTOS: Top-seeded Segerstrom storms into semifinals with road win over Fillmore

Running back Eddie Anuu heads for the end zone to score a touchdown for Segerstrom Friday night. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman).

Segerstrom’s football team is off to the CIF Division 8 semifinals Friday night to host Rio Hondo Prep.

The top-seeded Jaguars (7-5) advanced with a 17-12 victory over Fillmore (9-3) in the quarterfinals on a rainy night in Fillmore in Ventura County.

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

Segerstrom's Adrian Cervantes dives over the defense to pick up the first down.

Ivan Ambriz of Fillmore recovers a Segerstrom fumble.

Segerstrom running back Eddie Anuu carries the ball.

Defensive end Jonathan Gasca recovers a fumble for Segerstrom.

Quarterback Noah Martinez looks to the Segerstrom sidelines for the next play.

Segerstrom's defense blocks Saul Magana's field goal attempt.

Segerstrom's Armando Castaneda is tackled by Fillmore's JJ Jasso.

As the rain pours down, Officials attempt to keep the ball dry during a timeout.

Segerstrom's Adrian Cervantes celebrates a touchdown.

Segerstrom Coach Joseph Tagaloa celebrates the win with the team.
Photo courtesy Javier Nicanor

“All of our guys are excited to move onto the next round where we host Rio Hondo Prep on Friday,” said Segerstrom Coach Joseph Tagaloa. “This is the first time Segerstrom High School will host a semifinal CIF football game, so we are truly grateful.”

Fourth seeded Rio Hondo Prep (9-3) from Arcadia advanced with a 41-14 victory over El Rancho. The Kares opened the playoffs with a 42-14 victory over Harvard-Westlake.

Tagaloa said the victory was a “total team effort. Everybody from the sideline to special teams help contribute to the win.

“On defense, we were able to get several stops because we had everybody pursuing to the ball. We forced a couple fumbles and one of them recovered by Jonathan Gasca. Joseph Garcia came up big for us all night getting in backfilled and having several tackles for losses.

“On offense, Noah Martinez lead us all night managing to get the ball in the hands of our playmakers. Eddie Annu returned and made a huge impact rushing for a big touchdown to put us up in the fourth quarter.”

Special teams was also solid, Tagaloa said.

“Josh Martinez did a great job kicking for us and Joseph Garcia blocked a PAT that really changed the rest of the game,” the coach said.

The winner of Friday’s game moves on to the finals the following weekend against the winner of the Santiago/Corona vs. Rancho Verde game.

If Segerstrom wins Friday, the Jaguars would be home to host Rancho Verde but on the road to face Santiago in the finals.

The finals will be either Friday, Nov. 27 or Saturday, Nov. 28, according to CIF officials.

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