GARDEN GROVE – Overcoming a large first-quarter deficit, sophomore quarterback Jonathan Briseno rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns as Santa Ana defeated La Quinta, 53-30, in a nonleague game Friday night at Bolsa Grande High.
The Saints (2-2) scored four consecutive touchdowns in the second half thanks to their running attack, which gained 234 total yards and two touchdowns.
Although La Quinta (1-3) went into the second half with a 30-26 halftime lead, and gained 383 total yards for the game, Santa Ana capitalized on Aztecs mistakes in which two scores came off turnovers.
Santa Ana strong safety Rafael Aldaco, a junior, picked off a deep pass by running back Vinny Tran and ran the ball back for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, ending any comeback hopes.
At the end of the first half, La Quinta quarterback Joseph Lopez launched a 58-yard touchdown pass to Tran, who made a one-handed catch, increasing the lead to 30-14.
Briseno scored on a kickoff return for Santa Ana’s first touchdown.
