Santa Ana Valley charges past Magnolia

ANAHEIM — Darius Nacoste rushed for 240 yards and three touchdowns to lead Santa Ana Valley to a 24-13 victory over Magnolia in an Orange League game Thursday night at Western High.

Nacoste’s two third-quarter touchdowns sparked a Falcons comeback and helped Santa Ana Valley (4-3, 1-1) snap a two-game losing streak. Despite a strong showing, the Sentinels fell to 0-7 and 0-2.

“In the second half, I stopped dancing around and just ran the ball straight down the field,” said Nacoste, who carried 33 times and also scored on a 52-yard run in the first quarter. “They embarrassed us last year, so this was a payback game.”

Trailing 13-7 at halftime, Nacoste capped an eight-play, 56-yard scoring drive with an 8-yard TD run that gave the Falcons a one-point lead.

Moments later, Nacoste broke off a 60-yard TD run and Santa Ana Valley increased its lead to 21-13 after three quarters.

The Falcons defense, led by Eric Avila, Alex Gutierrez and Rafael Javalera, held Magnolia scoreless in the second half and limited the Sentinels to two first downs.

“We were nervous, but we finally settled down in the second half,” said Santa Ana Valley coach Larry Mohr. “This is a big win for us.”

Devante Bates and Marvin Magallanes scored first-half touchdowns to give Magnolia a 13-7 lead at the break.

Trevor Ofisa led the Sentinels with 87 yards rushing.