SANTA ANA, Calif. - Santa Ana Football will keep the Victory Flag for another year after shutting out the Orange Coast Pirates (1-7, 0-3) in their historic rivalry game on Saturday night.
The Dons (3-5, 2-1) were relentless defensively as they held the Pirates to just 164 yards of offense. Freshman defensive back Gabriel Magana led the charge with seven tackles on the night while also recording his third interception of the season. Jabez Gorham also stepped up with six tackles and a pass breakup.
Santa Ana's defensive line and linebacker core was outstanding once again as they made the Pirate quarterbacks uncomfortable in the pocket all night while collecting eight sacks.
Sophomore defensive lineman Stanley Thomas had his best game of the season as he accounted for three of those sacks.
Offensively, the Dons started off slow but found their groove in the second quarter. After a 19-yard run from Jamiel Henning, SAC took a shot at the end zone as Kryan Hayes ran a double move route to lose his defender, resulting in a 16-yard touchdown pass from Dallen Engemann.
FB: SAC 10, Orange Coast 0 (Halftime)
— SAC Dons (@SACDons) October 30, 2022
Kyran Hayes put Santa Ana on the board with a 16 yard TD from Dallen Engemann.#SACDons pic.twitter.com/84G8g0Czc1
Santa Ana tacked on a 37-yard field goal by Anthony Gomez with 10 seconds left in the quarter to go up 10-0 before the half was over.
The Dons picked up right where they started and used their momentum to create separation in the third quarter. Engemman threw for three more touchdowns in the third, connecting with Kristian Constantine twice and Nicholas Frengel.
Jamiel Henning put a cap on the game with a 2-yard rushing touchdown at the 12 minute mark. Henning had himself a day as he ran for 50-yards on eight touches to go with two catches for 62 yards.
With the win, Santa Ana now has sole possession of third place in the American Metro League (AML) standings at a record of 2-1. They trail only No. 16 Citrus (8-0, 3-0) and Glendale (5-3, 3-0).
The Dons will go back on the road next week to take on West LA (3-5, 1-2) in another AML matchup. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 5th.
The Victory Flag stays with Dons ‼️��
— SAC Dons (@SACDons) October 30, 2022
Santa Ana 38, Orange Coast 0 (Final)#SACDons pic.twitter.com/TLNr7TUS9e
