SANTA ANA – A couple minutes after defeating Century, 35-13, Thursday night in an Orange League game at Segerstrom, Magnolia got more good news from Coach Ryan Olson.
Olson got a big cheer after telling his team it had earned an automatic berth in the CIF-SS Southern Division playoffs.
“We just found out that Katella won so now our playoff lives are in the balance of the Savanna-Anaheim game (tonight),” Olson said. “We’re third if Savanna wins and second if Anaheim wins, so we’re pulling for the Colonists.”
Magnolia (5-5, 3-2) was assured one of the top three playoff spots by virtue of its win and Katella’s 34-0 victory over Santa Ana Valley in Thursday’s other league finale.
“We found out a few minutes ago, so we’re pretty happy,” Olson said.
Olson was also happy with Magnolia’s offensive production, led by quarterback Fernando Garcia, who passed for two touchdowns and threw for 130 yards. He also scored on a 1-yard keeper in the fourth quarter.
The Sentinels jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first half.
Garcia connected with Mekhi Pelzer on a 28-yard TD pass in the first quarter and hooked up with Luis Dorado on a 39-yard TD pass in the second quarter.
Lupe Lopez then bolted 75 yards for a score to put Magnolia ahead, 21-0, with 4:53 left in the second quarter. Lopez wound up rushing for 139 yards.
Century (1-9, 0-5) got on the scoreboard when Jesse Carrasco scored from 3 yards out late in the first half. Carrasco rushed for 117 yards on 23 carries. The Centurions were able to move the ball at times, but had five turnovers, four coming on fumbles.
“They (his players) showed a lot of heart and the seniors have a lot of passion so it’s hard to see them go,” said Century coach Andrew Lapic.
Contact the writer: tburt@ocregister.com
