Savanna rallies, comes up short
ANAHEIM -- Jonathan Thomas connected with Gabe Estrada on a 12-yard touchdown pass to bring Savanna within striking distance of Century with 38 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
However, after a failed 2-point conversion, the Rebels were unable to recover the onside kick and their improbable comeback was cut short as Century defeated Savanna, 18-16, in their first Orange League game Friday night at Glover Stadium.
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It was a disappointing night for the Rebels (1-5, 0-1), who played host to the Centurions (3-3, 1-0) in front of students and alumni for their homecoming.
Century’s running game kept Savanna confused all night as it rushed for 322 yards and three touchdowns.
Century took a 12-0 lead into the fourth quarter before Thomas came in to score Savanna’s first touchdown on a 5-yard run with 9:48 remaining. Thomas finished with 18 carries for 151 yards and a touchdown. He also completed 3 of 13 passes with an interception and a touchdown for the Rebels.
The Centurions scored again on a 1-yard touchdown run by junior Christian Gallegos to increase their lead to 18-7 with 8:36 remaining in the fourth quarter.
But the Rebels came charging back.
A 33-yard field goal by Savanna’s LaQuan Pleas made it a one possession game before the Rebels’ hopes were crushed. Thomas was unable to connect with sophomore Kai Williams on the crucial 2-point conversion, which sealed the outcome.
