October 6, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

Segerstrom’s football team off to 4-1 start with two more games at home

Segerstrom’s football team takes the field for Friday’s game.

Segerstrom’s football team is giving notice that it could be a team to be reckoned with.

After struggling in the first half with penalties, the Jaguars played a strong second half and went on to defeat Laguna Hills 27-3 Friday night.

Segerstrom, 4-1, still has two more non-league games, Friday against University at home and Friday, Sept. 28 against Artesia at home before opening the Big 4 League against Marina Oct. 12 at Marina.

The other two teams in the league are Westminster and Garden Grove.

“We’re in the conference with only four teams,” said Coach Joseph Tagaloa. “Our last three games are league games. We have to keep on trucking and getting better.”

SANTA ANA GIVES NOTICE WITH WIN

Santa Ana’s football team looks like it will be a team to watch out for in Division 8 and the Saints, 3-2 overall, look like they are only going to get better.

The Saints were marching against Woodbridge last Thursday, winning 40-21, at Santa Ana Valley.

Woodbridge coach Rick Gibson credited Santa Ana. But he was very upset with his team’s play.

Right from the start, the Warriors struggled with three turnovers which led to scores.

It’s going to be tough for anyone in the Orange Coast League to beat Santa Ana. And the Saints will get even better when Godinez transfer Patrick McMorris, a running back and defensive back, becomes eligible next week.

“That’s true, I almost forgot,” said Santa Ana Coach Charlie TeGantvoort.  “He’s an amazing kid and an amazing talent and we have about five more starters coming back too that have been out for one reason or another.”

The coach has some high goals.

“Every time we start a season, our goals are to win a CIF championship, if not a state championship,” he said. “We want to win every game, we want to go win state and do everything and if that’s not our goals, I should be fired.”

THE GAME OF THE YEAR IS FRIDAY NIGHT

Mater Dei’s football team ranked third in the nation by MaxPreps, shouldn’t be counted out playing in its home stadium at the Santa Ana Bowl Friday night against No. 1 IMG Academy Friday night.

It may be tough to match the number of talented players from both teams on that field Friday night.

Of course, there are plenty of other games going on too, including the Orange vs. Irvine contest at Irvine Stadium.

TIMBERWOLVES LOOK IMPROVED

Northwood’s football team hasn’t played a real tough non-league schedule, but the Timberwolves are 3-1 entering tonight’s game with Cerritos (3-2) at Gahr high.

Co-offensive coordinator Dan Selway promised the team would be improved offensively, and it looks like he was right.

REMATCH COMING UP FOR WARRIORS

Woodbridge’s girls volleyball team improved its record to 3-1 Tuesday night with an exciting five-set victory over University.

The Warriors lost to Beckman in four sets last week. Woodbridge Coach Alan Ho isn’t looking past any of the Warriors opponents.

But Woodbridge will get a chance to avenge that first round loss to Beckman when it hosts the Patriots Tuesday, Oct. 2.

“They had a really big crowd on hand and I thought we came out a little nervous,” said Woodbridge Coach Alan Ho of the Beckman match. “And then we kind of settled down and won the second game and played pretty well throughout. They were just a little bit better than us that night. Without looking forward, we look forward to when they come back to face them over here.”

IT’S A GREAT BASEBALL STADIUM

The Orange County Great Park Baseball Stadium is not just great, it’s fantastic.

After going to Sunday’s opening day ceremonies at the new facility, we can clearly say that it’s the best baseball park in Irvine and definitely one of the best in Orange County, better than many college parks.

The stadium has it all: great playing surface, great seating for fans, plenty of parking, a booming sound system, locker rooms, concession stands and a superb press box, which had a hospitality room next to it.

The designers came up with a winner and one which will generate plenty of revenue for the city of Irvine.

We still don’t know what the rental charge will be. But it will be fun for teams who can afford to rent it.