SANTA ANA – Godinez coach Michael Echaves felt he had to start sophomore running back Patrick McMorris for the first time in what shaped up to be the deciding game for the Orange Coast League title.
The young talent took over the game.
McMorris rushed for 178 yards and two touchdowns and added two interceptions on defense to lead Godinez over Calvary Chapel, 20-14, Friday night in an Orange Coast League game at Santa Ana Valley High.
With the win Godinez grasped ahold of first place.
“We know he’s going to be a great running back,” Echaves said. “We thought, you know what, this kid’s just too good not to put back at tailback anymore.”
McMorris scored two touchdowns, with the final one a blazing 60-yard run that pushed Godinez (4-4, 3-0) ahead by two scores early in the fourth quarter.
His first touchdown came in the first quarter on a 20-yard run.
With 2:56 left to play, a five-yard Anthony Mercado touchdown run helped Calvary Chapel (2-6, 2-1) closed the gap to 20-14.
But after getting the ball back with over a minute to play, Calvary Chapel’s second quarterback, Payton Rogers, threw a long pass, and McMorris, with his second interception, was there to seal the victory.
The Grizzlies tallied 265 yards on the night (228 rushing and 37 passing).
Calvary Chapel tied the game at 7 in the third quarter with a 6-yard toss from quarterback Robbie Haw to receiver Nathaniel Martinez.
But Godinez running back Andy Sosa scored on a 1-yard carry in the second quarter, handing the lead back to Godinez, 13-7.
The Eagles have not lost to Godinez since 2012 and went unbeaten in league last season, when the two teams also battled for the Orange Coast League title.
