Football notes: Foothill found answers to tough test

Notes from Orange County high school football:

Foothill was faced with a test this past Friday night. After overcoming a 12-point deficit, it is safe to say the Knights passed.

Foothill trailed Santa Margarita, 26-14, in the third quarter, but rallied to a 30-26 victory.

"We were playing up a little bit to challenge ourselves to get ready for league," Foothill coach Doug Case said. "We challenged the kids and they have responded."

Foothill began the season with a loss to Dana Hills, but has rebounded with a victory over rival Tustin and Santa Margarita.

One key for the turnaround has been the play of quarterback Zach Griffith.

"He's doing an outstanding job," Case said. "He has great leadership."

Another reason has been the defense, which held Tustin to one touchdown in Week 2 and limited the Eagles to 164 total yards.

CRUZ CONTROL

Foothill's upset bid was nearly squashed by the play of Santa Margarita senior A.J. Cruz.

Cruz returned a punt 50 yards for a touchdown and had three other returns that led to points for the Eagles.

"He was a one-man wrecking show," Case of Cruz.

GRANDE VICTORY

It had been a long time since Bolsa Grande recorded a "true" road victory.

That was until the Matadors defeated Godinez, 32-7, Friday night at Segerstrom High to end an 18-year road winless streak.

The Matadors have recorded road victories since 1990, but as the visiting team at its home stadium.

La Quinta and Rancho Alamitos also call Bolsa Grande High its home stadium.

TV UPDATE

The Edison-Servite game on Friday will be televised on a delayed basis by Prime Ticket, starting at 11 p.m. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Cerritos College.

ON THE SCHEDULE

Other interesting games on this week's schedule include: Valencia-El Dorado in the Battle for the Bell; Corona del Mar-Newport Harbor in the Battle of the Bay; and Western-Fullerton. All three games are Friday at 7 p.m.