Strong defensive effort helps Santiago bounce back with win over La Quinta

Art Martinez gains yards for Santiago Thursday vs. La Quinta. (Photos courtesy Dave Mamelli, Garden Grove Unified School District).

Santiago High School’s football team got a strong defensive effort and more balanced offense to defeat La Quinta 26-6 Thursday night in a Garden Grove League game at Bolsa Grande.

Santiago’s defense held La Quinta’s offense to just 111 total yards and eight first downs, according to Cavaliers Coach Doug Ozsvath.

To see additional photos, click on the first picture:

Santiago quarterback James Gonzalez gets ready to take a snap.

Daniel Padilla hauls in a catch for Santiago.

Victor Garcia had his fifth interception and Jesse Fuentes had his third sack to help Santiago (5-2, 1-1) bounce back from a 14-8 loss to Bolsa Grande last week.

“A suffocating defense has been the name of the game this season with Santiago holding teams to just 12.8 points per game,” the coach said. “A more aggressive and disciplined approach has helped us hold teams in check this year.”

Sophomore quarterback James Gonzalez completed 6 of 11 passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns and Daniel Padilla continued to star in the backfield, rushing for 83 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown and making two catches for 55 yards.

Running back Art Martinez carried the ball 25 times for 94 yards and a TD and the offensive line executed well, Ozsvath said.

“We have assembled a great coaching staff here at Santiago with some knowledgeable, fun, and hard-working coaches that get the kids excited to come out to practice every week. The kids are prepared and have been playing lights out defense all season long,” the coach said.

“Key contributors in recent weeks have been Jesse Fuentes (linebacker/tight end), Victor Garcia (free safety) and defensive ends Andy Le and Alex Rios.  

“I ask the kids all the time, ‘How do you respond when things don’t go your way?’ We aren’t going to hang our heads and give up. We fought back after a tough loss last week and picked up the pieces and put together an awesome performance this week vs LQ.”

Santiago faces Loara next Thursday night at Garden Grove High.

La Quinta fell to 1-6 and 0-2 in league play.