SANTA ANA – Nick Guzmán found an opportunity to redeem himself after missing a 24-yard field-goal attempt with 4:50 remaining in the first quarter.
That chance came in overtime on a 28-yarder to help Orange defeat Godinez, 3-0, preserving the Panthers’ unbeaten record (5-0) in the final nonleague game for both schools at the SAUSD Sports Complex on Friday night.
Orange set up its game-winner after blocking Bryan Ibarra’s 25-yard field-goal attempt on the first overall possession in overtime.
The Panthers’ only other shot to score happened 11 seconds before halftime, when they advanced to the Grizzlies’ 7-yard line on a fumble which Godinez recovered.
Penalties hampered both teams as the Grizzlies (1-4) picked up 11 for 115 yards while Orange had 13 for 85 yards.
The Panthers defense kept the contest close as it forced five Godinez fumbles, three of which they recovered. Orange made a couple of interceptions as well.
Benjamin Rivera earned the first Orange interception about two minutes into the game, and Jordan Schmidt picked off the second one at the start of the fourth quarter.
The Panthers also need a crucial turnover on downs with under 4 minutes to play to keep the contest scoreless.
Godinez quarterback Bryan Ibarra ran 27 times for 189 yards, while Brandon Warren led the Panthers with 118 yards on 16 carries.
Orange got another 74 rushing yards from its quarterback Miguel Orendain.
This was the first meeting between both schools.
Orange will open its Golden West League schedule against Santa Ana at Santa Ana Stadium on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. and the Grizzlies will visit Laguna Beach on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. in their first Orange Coast League contest of the season.
