SANTA ANA – Points were tough to come by for Century High on Friday night as it hosted Magnolia in an Orange League matchup. Magnolia scored an early touchdown, then added three scores in the third quarter and that was more than enough as it beat Century, 32-8, to earn its first victory of the season.
Magnolia senior quarterback Joey Lucero connected with sophomore receiver Apineru Muavao from 15 yards out midway through the first quarter to give Magnolia (1-7, 1-2) an early 6-0 lead.
Century (1-7, 0-3) looked as if it was going to come right back and score on the ensuing drive, moving the ball just inside the Magnolia 15-yard line.
The Sentinels defense came up big, though, stopping Century on the next three plays and then blocking a 30-yard field-goal attempt. That was Century’s only threat in the first half.
Turnovers cost Century in the third quarter as an interception and fumble led to two rushing touchdowns by Magnolia junior running back Akir Lingham. He finished with 123 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries.
Junior running back Raymond Perez added a third touchdown late in the third quarter when he scored from 22 yards out, putting Magnolia ahead 25-0.
After Magnolia scored another touchdown Century got on the scoreboard late in the fourth quarter on an 8-yard run by junior running back Saul Mateo, cutting the deficit to 32-8 just before time expired.
Next week Magnolia will host Savanna while Century hosts Katella.
