Godinez lets Santa Fe escape with victory

WHITTIER — As the defensive standoff between Godinez and Santa Fe of Santa Fe Springs carried into the second half Saturday night, it became increasingly likely that mistakes would determine the outcome.

Godinez turned the ball over three times in the second half and committed a costly penalty, allowing the Chiefs to escape with a 14-0 victory at Pioneer High.

Godinez appeared ready to tie the score following a 58-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Zachary Huizar to wide receiver Pedro Leon with 3:29 remaining in the game, but the play was called back on an illegal block downfield.

Shortly afterward, Santa Fe defensive back Elvis Toscano scored on a 25-yard fumble return to give the Chiefs their final two-touchdown edge.

“We thought we tied it up,” said Godinez coach Aaron Kaye.

The Grizzlies were unable to take advantage of two first-quarter turnovers by Santa Fe and also started two drives near midfield in the first half but couldn’t capitalize.

Godinez lined up for a 42-yard field goal while the game was still scoreless early in the third quarter, but a procedure penalty moved the ball back 5 yards and Kaye sent his offense back on the field, where it was stopped on fourth down.

An interception by Toscano led to the game’s first touchdown. Charles Muhlenkamp followed with a 42-yard reception to the Godinez 17 and Jesse Benitez then hauled in a 9-yard touchdown reception from sophomore quarterback Christian Lara for a 7-0 lead with 2:22 left in the third quarter.

Kaye praised the play of his front five, led by Jose Ocampo, Raul Silva, David Cervantes and Jonathan Guadarrama.

“Our defense played their tails off tonight,” he said. “Those front five guys came to play.”