SANTA ANA - Magnolia handed Santa Ana Valley its first Orange League loss of the season in a 41-29 victory Friday night at Santa Ana Stadium. (Full game stats.)

The Sentinels (4-4, 2-1) were victorious over the Falcons (4-4, 2-1) on the strength of running back Robert Cruz.

Cruz put on a clinic all night, rushing for 312 yards on 31 carries for five touchdowns.

He followed those rushing touchdowns with one receiving touchdown. He caught two passes for 97 yards.

Cruz scored all five rushing touchdowns in the first half, with four coming in the first quarter.

By the end of the first half, Cruz had five scores and 253 yards on 15 carries.

The Sentinels set the tempo early by starting the game with an onside kick, which they recovered.

The Sentinels also recovered two Falcons fumbles in the first quarter.

Both eventually led to Cruz scoring two rushing touchdowns.

"One more ‘W' and we'll make our goal of being in the playoffs." Sentinels coach Dave Perkins said.

• Click here for full game stats and links to season totals and game rosters.

Contact the writer: preps@ocregister.com