POMONA - The hard-nosed running of junior Darius Nacoste and a stout defensive effort helped the Santa Ana Valley Falcons begin their season in winning fashion Saturday.

Nacoste rushed 22 times for 121 yards and a touchdown as the Falcons defeated the Garey Vikings, 22-6, at Ganesha High.

After a scoreless opening quarter, the Falcons took advantage of a short field to score the first points of the game early in the second.

A five-play, 34-yard drive ended when receiver Joe Garcia caught a short pass in the right flat from quarterback Carlos Acevedo and raced 17 yards for a touchdown, giving the Falcons a 7-0 lead.

The Falcons appeared to add to the lead late in the second quarter, when Narcoste broke loose up the middle for an apparent 16-yard score.

However, an illegal motion penalty negated the touchdown, and on the ensuing play, a fumble ended the threat, preserving a 7-0 Falcon advantage at intermission.

After forcing a quick three and out the Vikings’ initial possession of the third quarter, the Falcons embarked on an eight play, 55-yard drive, in which Nacoste accounted for all but 2 yards.

His 2-yard touchdown run increased the advantage to 14-0.

The Vikings narrowed the lead to 14-6 on the first play of the fourth quarter, as quarterback Wallace Arnold scampered five yards for a score. The ensuing extra point was blocked.

However, the Falcons put the game away with a 15 play, 76-yard drive that took over 10 minutes, as they continually gashed the middle of the Viking defensive line.

Running back Frank Acevedo ended the drive with a 1-yard touchdown plunge with 1:42 left.

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Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com