Saddleback Valley Christian wins defensive struggle

DOWNEY - Running back Devon Edward’s 5-yard touchdown run and a punishing defense allowed Saddleback Valley Christian to escape with a 6-0 opening-night victory over Bellarmine-Jefferson at St. Matthias High on Saturday.

Edwards scored midway through the first quarter, just five plays after corner Michael Cannavo blocked David Radoccia’s punt. 

The only points of the game were more than enough SVC, which was led by its tenacious defense.

“We’re going to be tough to score points on, but we’ve got to find a way to score some too,” Warriors coach Gary Chambers said after his team managed just 117 yards of offense.

Bell-Jeff had chances to get on the board after pressuring Warriors quarterback Eric Speik into a wobbly interception at the SVC 29 and recovering a Josh Squirrell fumble on the next drive, but both were quickly snuffed out.

SVC (1-0) limited the Guards (0-1) to 74 yards of total offense and brutalized Bell-Jeff quarterback Mike Magallon with six sacks. He completed only 1 of 9 passes for 16 yards and was intercepted twice.

SVC turned to the en vogue A-11 spread offense in the third quarter and produced its longest play, a 66-yard catch-and-run by junior William Hinn. That drive stalled at the Bell-Jeff 8, however, and did not result in points.

Hinn added a team-high 32 yards rushing on nine carries.

See full game stats

Contact the writer: preps@ocregister.com