SANTA ANA – Segerstrom scored the game’s final 21 points to erase a 15-point deficit and defeat city rival Godinez, 35-29, in the eighth annual Fundamental Bowl on Friday night at Segerstrom High.
Trailing 29-14 with 4:12 left in the third quarter, the Jaguars (4-0) scored touchdowns on their next two possessions – the first coming on a 15-yard run by JC Caravez, and the second on an 8-yard rush by Denilson Santamaria. The ensuing 2-point conversion after the second score failed, leaving Godinez with a 2-point lead with 4:53 left in the game.
But on its first play after the kickoff, Grizzlies quarterback Bryan Ibarra – in his first game of the season after serving a two-game team suspension – threw a backward pass that was picked up by Cavarez, who then ran 38 yards untouched down the Grizzlies sideline for a touchdown. Santamaria then ran in the 2-pointer to complete the scoring.
In its final possession, Godinez (0-3) totaled minus-2 yards on four plays and gave the ball up on downs with 2:46 left. The Jaguars then rushed on six consecutive plays to run out the clock.
“Wow, what a game,” said Jaguars coach Joe Tagaloa. “The kids really came together tonight. This is a type of win that could really propel us to bigger and better things the rest of the season.”
Santamaria led all rushers with 184 and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Cavarez tallied three touchdowns.
Ibarra rushed for 125 yards on 17 carries, and completed 6 of 15 passes for 130 yards. Grizzlies receiver Izak Veruzco caught two passes – both for touchdeowns – for 95 yards.
In the eight meetings between the two teams, Segerstrom holds a 7-1 edge.
MARK GARCIA
