SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO – Saddleback Valley Christian cruised to a 56-17 victory over Santa Paula on Friday night in the first round of the East Valley Division playoffs.
The Warriors offense overmatched the Cardinal defense from the opening whistle. The starting unit, led by quarterback Cade Henjum, had 481 yards. Henjum was 16 for 28 for 271 yards and five touchdowns.
On their first possession, the Warriors (11-0) drove to the 10-yard line, where Henjum threw a touchdown pass to Jack DeAvila.
After a Santa Paula field goal, Dalton Lohman scored on a 56-yard run to make it 14-3.
Ryan DeViso intercepted a Cardinal pass and Henjum took advantage, finding David Molina for a touchdown on the ensuing play.
On their next offensive snap, Henjum and Molina connected again for a 42-yard touchdown pass. Henjum threw a touchdown to Savaii Cravens to cap off the half with a 35-3 lead.
Santa Paula (5-6) did not go down without a fight. Zackery Marquez ran 29 times for 170 yards and two TDs, but the Cardinal offense was hurt by six false start penalties.
The Warrior defense limited Cardinal quarterback Keshaun Mata to just 32 yards passing and only four completions.
In the opening drive of the second half, Henjum scored on a quarterback sneak following a 53-yard run from Lohman. Lohman had 164 yards rushing on 13 attempts.
SVC will play defending East Valley division champion St. Margaret’s next week in the second round. The Tartans eliminated the Warriors in the East Valley semifinals in 2014.
