Segerstrom football team battles to the end but falls to San Marino 21-20 in CIF Division 9 playoffs

Segerstrom’s football team poses for a group photo after Friday’s game. (Photos courtesy Mark Bausman)

Segerstrom’s season came to an end Friday when the Jaguars lost to San Marino 21-20 in the opening round of the CIF Division 9 football playoffs at San Marino.

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But Coach Joseph Tagaloa said he was still proud of his team.

“I am proud of the way our team continued to battle all game,” he said Saturday.  “We were not sharp offensively, but we continued to battle til the very last snap.

“It is hard to overcome five turnovers and still have a chance to win, especially against a well coached team in San Marino.”

Tagaloa said a number of Jaguars turned in solid efforts.

“Paul Roa had a solid game on both sides of the ball,” he said. “Iverson Fuiava caught a touchdown pass and rushed for another one.

“Our seniors all night exemplified great leadership and kept everyone together which helped us to keep fighting. Emotional words of encouragement came from Emerson Aldana at halftime and Paul Roa at the start of the fourth.”

Segerstrom wound up 8-3 overall and captured second in the Big 4 League with a 2-1 record.

“Although this is the end of our season, the memories and relationships will last forever,” Tagaloa said.

San Marino (9-1-1) moves on to the second round Friday night against North of Torrance.