November 4, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

PHOTOS: Santa Ana Valley defeats Anaheim for second straight Orange League victory

Santa Ana Valley‘s Bryan Solis returns a punt for the Falcons as Anaheim’s defensive back Devin Fuller pursues during the first half Friday night. (Photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

By ALEX SUAREZ

For OC Sports Zone

Santa Ana Valley’s High School football team defeated Anaheim 34-19 in an Orange League matchup Friday night at Santa Ana Valley for its second straight league win.

Santa Ana Valley (3-4, 2-0) engaged in a closely contested game in the first half but later took the lead. The Falcons defense played a crucial role in stopping the Colonists offense on Friday night. 

“It was a tough game to start off, both teams kind of sizing each other up,” said Santa Ana Valley Coach Fred Macias. “We made some adjustments in the second half and came out, did our job and executed. It came out in our favor.”

In the second quarter, senior wide receiver Julian Pimentel scored on a 77-yard touchdown reception, giving the Falcons a four point lead heading into halftime. Pimentel ended the night as the leading receiver with 105 yards on four catches. He credited the big play to his quarterback Bruce Sanchez. 

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

“That big play was all on the quarterback,” said Pimentel. “We have the connection from playing with each other all four years here.”

Sanchez, the senior QB, finished the game completing eight passes for 173 yards, while senior running back Damian Roldan led in rushing with 59 yards and a rushing touchdown. 

The Falcons will face Western at home next Friday in another challenging league matchup. 

“We have to play way above our heads and really come out and execute,” Macias said. “It’s going to be a battle for us, but I think we’re ready.”  

Anaheim (3-4, 1-1) scored first in the game with a 14-yard touchdown reception by Jeremiah Castro. Junior Jason Garett later scored twice on a 12-yard reception and a 13-yard reception in the third and fourth quarters. 

Colonists’ senior quarterback MJ Fernandez finished the game with 218 passing yards on eight completions. Senior wide receiver Ivan Marin led the team in receiving yards with 82 on five catches. 

Anaheim will hit the road again next Thursday before its third league matchup against Magnolia.

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