Santa Ana Valley football team shows steady improvement in 4-1 start

Santa Ana Valley players take the field for a game against Godinez. (File photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

Santa Ana Valley High School’s football team, which has a bye this week, is off to a 4-1 start under Coach Alfredo Macias.

The Falcons wrapped up non-league play with a 14-7 road victory over Gahr. The team also has victories over Ocean View, Santiago and Godinez. Santa Ana Valley’s lone loss came to Segerstrom.

“The victory over Gahr provided our team the opportunity to deal with and overcome adversity,” Macias said. “Our team showed tremendous growth in that game that will only help us league. “

Macias said the standouts were Bruce Sanchez, who had seven tackles, two sacks and an interception for a touchdown and Julian Pimental, who had one reception for 20 yards and a touchdown catch.

“Our team has improved in all three phases of the game,” Macias said. “Additionally, we are stronger, more physical and our football IQ has increased from last season.”

Santa Ana Valley will open Orange League play next Friday, Sept. 30 at home against Magnolia. The ultimate goal is to advance to the CIF playoffs, Macias said.

“Our goal from onset of the season has been to be playing into November,” he said. “We are confident our group will be battling for a top spot in the Orange League this year.”

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