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Santa Ana’s Jayderick García (No. 3) breaks a long run midway through the second quarter as teammate Peleitala Fa’Aloua blocks against Buena Park’s Guillermo Guzman. (Photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).
After dropping its first three games, Santa Ana got a career game from running back Jayderick Garcia and notched its first victory of the season with a 34-6 win over Buena Park Thursday night in a non-league game at Santa Ana Stadium.
Garcia set career-highs with 203 yards rushing and three touchdowns as Santa Ana (1-3) defeated the Coyotes (2-2) for the fourth consecutive time.
“Our OLine pushed hard tonight and it means a lot to all of us to get our first win,” said Garcia, a senior. “We now have to build on this performance.”
To see the slide show, click on the first photo:
The Saints took their opening possession of the game and moved 75-yards in nine-plays to take an early lead. Garcia capped the drive with a fourth-down, three-yard touchdown run that gave Santa Ana a 7-0 lead.
Midway through the second quarter, the Saints drove deep into Coyotes’ territory, but free safety Donavin Hall intercepted a deflected Santa Ana pass, foiling the Saints march.
However, two plays later, Santa Ana linebacker Kevin Osorio picked off a Coyotes pass and returned it to the Buena Park 14-yard line, setting up Stephen Hughes’ three-yard TD run that gave the Saints a 13-0 lead at the half. Hall recorded his second interception of the game late in the half to halt a second Saints’ drive.
The Saints defense, led by Osorio, Julian Plascencia, Michael Hughes and Ignacio Marin held the Coyotes’ offense to 31 yards in the first half.
Adrian Sanchez returned the second half kickoff 82 yards for a touchdown to increase Santa Ana’s lead to 20-0. Garcia upped the Saints lead to 27-0 as he added his second score of the game on a 10-yard TD run with 2:45 left in the third quarter.
Hall returned the ensuing kickoff 90 yards for a Coyotes TD to cut the lead to 27-6.
Garcia later added a 4-yard TD run in the final quarter.
“Upfront on the offensive and defensive lines, we played tremendously,” said Santa Coach Charlie TeGantvoort. “As our line play goes, so does our team. Buena Park is a skilled team. We have a lot to live up to, and we have to keep pressing forward.”
Azim Muhammad led the Coyotes with 136 yards rushing, including an 86-yard run in the third quarter.
“Their record is not indicative of their team,” said Buena Park Coach David Prieto. “They’ve played some tough opponents and they’re aggressive. We have to go back to the office, watch some film and get some guys healthy.”
Alex Delgado replaced Buena Park starting quarterback Aaron Rodriguez, who broke his collarbone on the first play of the game last week. Rodriguez is out for the season, according to the Buena Park coach.
RELATED: Pre-game photos from Santa Ana vs. Buena Park
—Tom Connolly, For OC Sports Zone
