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Santa Ana football players take the field at Santa Ana Stadium earlier this season. (File photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).
Football players from Santa Ana and Orange high schools undoubtedly had the Friday, Oct. 28 game in the back of their minds the whole season.
For good reason.
As expected, the two teams will meet for the Orange Coast League title at Santa Ana Stadium Friday night. It will be the seventh year in a row that the two teams have met for the crown.
Santa Ana will be the home team for the showdown, expected to attract a big crowd. Kick-off is at 7 p.m.
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Both teams have already clinched CIF playoff berths but the game could affect seedings for the post season and the winner will also have bragging rights for another year in what has become a hotly-contested rivalry.
Orange, coached by Robert Pedroza, defeated Santa Ana 41-21 last year at Fred Kelly Stadium to take back the title after the Saints won the crown with a 36-34 victory in April during the abbreviated spring season.
Both teams have rolled through Orange Coast League play undefeated in five games.
Orange (7-2) defeated Saddleback 56-0, St. Margaret’s 56-21, Calvary Chapel 46-7, Estancia 53-6 and Costa Mesa 55-6.
Santa Ana (also 7-2) defeated St. Margaret’s 35-21, Estancia 53-0, Calvary Chapel 45-0, Costa Mesa 42-0 and Saddleback 58-6.
The explosive Orange offense is led by running back Kobe Boykin who has rushed for 840 yards and eight touchdowns, according to OC Varsity, which puts him among the county leaders.
“Orange’s football team has a lot of very skilled players,” said Santa Ana Coach Charlie TeGantvoort. “The key to stopping them all in this game will be to play disciplined, physical and play as one family of Saints giving an all-out effort every play all game long.”
TeGantvoort has been pleased with the play of his offensive and defensive lines. The offensive line has provided protection for quarterback Sergio Torres. The defense had a string of three consecutive shutouts during league play.
“Our offensive and defensive lines led by Adrian Bahena, Tank Martinez and Michael Hughes will be key in allowing our skill players to continue to make big plays led by Sergio Torres, Jayderick Garcia, Joseph Foster on offense with Kevin Osorio and Stephen Hughes on defense,” he said. “Should be a great game.”
Pedroza, the Orange coach, could not be reached for comment.
—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
