Top-seeded Santa Ana battles but falls short in CIF quarterfinal playoff loss to Palmdale

Santa Ana football Coach Charlie TeGantvoort talks to his players after Friday’s loss. (Photo courtesy Jeff Bishop).

Santa Ana High School’s football team, top-ranked in Division 10, was eliminated from the CIF playoffs with a 21-14 loss to Palmdale in the quarterfinals at Palmdale Friday night.

Quarterback Stephen Hughes rushed for 102 yards, scored a rushing touchdown and also threw a TD pass to Cristian Ramos, according to Coach Charlie TeGantvoort.

Jayderick Garcia was also solid, rushing for more than 80 yards for the Saints (8-4).

“It was a battle back and forth all night with takeaways by both teams including a sack forced fumble by Michael Hughes,” TeGantvoort said. “Palmdale was able to get one more stop than we did, giving the victory.”

The Saints’ coach praised his players after the game.

“I am very proud of how our team battled throughout the season and continued to get better and how they always fought to overcome many obstacles all year long, especially being able to rally around Stephen Hughes stepping in as our QB after our very talented junior QB Sergio Torres went down with an injury,” he said.

“I’m excited to see these lessons help our Saints continue to find success on and off the field. Go Saints.”

Palmdale (8-4) moves on to play at Salesian Friday night in the semifinals.