SANTA ANA – There’s a reason why old habits die hard.
Maybe some habits are worth keeping.
Anaheim’s defense showed it is in no hurry to kick the habit of dominating the opposition. For the third time this season, Anaheim shut out an opponent, as the Colonists knocked off Century, 26-0, Thursday night in an Orange League game at Santa Ana Stadium.
The Colonists (5-1, 2-0) forced three turnovers while allowing 154 yards of total offense to the Centurions (1-6, 0-2).
The win keeps Anaheim tied with Katella for first place in the Orange League.
A big third quarter allowed the Colonists to turn the tide.
After managing just six points in the first half, the Colonists got the spark they needed to break the game open. Century had downed a punt at the Anaheim 8. Joel Montes de Oca delivered a blow to the hopes of the Centurions’ homecoming crowd by running the ball 92 yards to give Anaheim a 13-0 lead.
The Colonists had experienced great success against the Centurions’ triple-option running game of Jimmy Gutierrez, Jesse Carrasco and Brian Penaloza. A two-score lead allowed Anaheim to stack the line of scrimmage, and it resulted in a fumble recovery by Kevin Montoya.
Anaheim took over and Immanuel Covarrubias converted the turnover into points with his second rushing touchdown of the night.
In the fourth quarter, Brandon Lopez delivered a strike to Robert Barajas for a 28-yard score.
Century got close to ending the shutout, but Barajas picked off Penaloza’s fourth-and-goal pass in the end zone.
Carrasco provided 50 yards of offense, and Larry Vasquez had a pair of sacks for Century.
