SANTA ANA, Calif. - In a defensive struggle between two surging teams, the Santa Ana Dons (4-1) pulled out a 7-3 win over the LA Valley Monarchs (3-2) to wrap up their pre-season schedule on Saturday night.
Although LA Valley struck first with a field goal early in the first quarter, the Dons stayed level headed and produced several critical stops throughout the game to hold the Monarchs scoreless from there.
The Dons started to see success offensively in the second half and finally broke through to score the only touchdown of the game on a 28 yard pass from Dallen Engemann to Malachi Pierce with 6:45 remaining in the fourth.
LAVC did their best to respond, driving down the field from their own 36 to the Santa Ana 22 on the next possession. But on a 3rd and 7, freshman defensive end Zamir Richardson came up with a strip sack which was recovered by Christian Gabb to close the door on a possible comeback.
SAC picked up their fourth consecutive win despite being held to a season low 186 total yards of offense.
Engemann finished the night with a statline of 6-20, 89 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Running backs William Saucedo and Malcom Perry combined for 76 yards on 17 carries while Pierce was the lead receiver with two catches for 59 yards and his seventh touchdown of the year.
The Dons' defense really shined in this one with six individuals recording five or more tackles and posting a season high 10 sacks as a team.
Cole Miller led the team in tackles with seven including a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss. Christian Gabb accounted for 6 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 1 fumble recovery. And Deonte Jones finished with six tackles and his first interception of the year.
But the reigning American Metro League Player of the Year Blaze Iglesias would not be outdone as the sophomore from Orange collected four tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble and an interception in the win.
The Dons will have a bye week before heading into American Metro League play on October 14th at Victor Valley College. Game time will be at 1:00 p.m.
