SANTA ANA – Segerstrom blended big plays with ball control and shut out Santa Monica, 29-0, in a nonleague opener Friday at Segerstrom.
Segerstrom set the tone early, committing to a running game led by complementary backs Denilson Santamaria and JC Cavarez. The power and speed duo combined for 115 yards on 21 carries before halftime.
Segerstrom dominated time of possession, as it kept the Vikings defense on the field for most of the first half. Segerstrom had a 7-0 halftime lead on Santamaria’s 3-yard touchdown run less than three minutes into the game.
Segerstrom quarterback Marcus Avalos connected with wide receiver Gus Guerrero for 41- and 6-yard touchdown passes in the third quarter to help push the lead to 27-0.
Santamaria finished with 170 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.
Santa Monica struggled to find a rhythm throughout the first half, as turnovers and penalties disrupted its drives. Three of Santa Monica’s first four plays from scrimmage resulted in a fumble, a sack, and an intentional grounding penalty.
A bright spot for Santa Monica was wide receiver Andrew Amaya, who had five catches for 52 yards and was the most reliable target for junior quarterback Dariush Sayson.
