GARDEN GROVE – Behind Bryan Ibarra and a spirited defensive effort, Godinez pulled away late and defeated Los Amigos, 29-7, in a nonleague matchup Thursday night at Garden Grove High.
With the score tied at 7 in the third quarter, Grizzlies sophomore Izak Verduzco picked off an errant pass by Jorge Najera, turning the momentum in favor of Godinez for good.
Shortly after the interception, Ibarra found Chris Zotea for a 42-yard touchdown pass, and Pablo Sanchez ran in the 2-point conversion for a 15-7 lead.
Zotea had two receptions for 57 yards.
Ibarra added two fourth-quarter rushing touchdowns to finish the Grizzlies’ scoring and ended with 240 yards on 24 carries, providing Godinez (1-0) and new coach Michael Echaves with a victory. The Grizzlies were winless in 2014.
The Lobos (0-1) struggled mightily on offense, but found success early in the third quarter when Johnny Alvarado scored his team’s only touchdown on a 46-yard run.
Alvarado finished with 49 yards on two carries and added a reception for 9 yards.
To start the game, the Lobos trotted out freshman Isaiah Potts at quarterback before going with Najera to start the second half. Potts did not attempt a pass, while Najera was 5 of 9 for 23 yards and ran for 49 yards on 10 carries.
Lobos running back Jose Olvera was given most of the offensive responsibility with 21 carries for 77 yards.
Turnovers plagued Los Amigos.
With 10 minutes left in the game, the Lobos missed a big opportunity to draw even. Inside the 25-yard line, the Lobos went four-and-out, turning the ball over.
