PREP FOOTBALL : Orange League : Valencia Gains Its Fourth Consecutive Title

Four was the wild number at Valencia High School as the Tigers gained their fourth consecutive Orange League title with a 17-0 victory over Anaheim.

The win was also Valencia’s fourth in a row and fourth shutout of the season. It improved the Tiger’s record to 7-1-1 overall.

A happy Tiger’s Coach Mike Marrujo, who has been at the helm for all four of Valencia’s league titles, said, “We weren’t picked to win it, and after two of our three returning starters fell with injuries, the team really pulled together.”

The two starters that Marrujo lost were arguably the team’s two best players--running back Tony Goulet and all-league defensive back Brett Gregory.

Goulet’s replacement, sophomore Keef Leasure, rushed for 145 yards in 20 carries, including a 62-yard touchdown run on Valencia’s first offensive play from scrimmage.

Valencia’s defense intercepted Anaheim quarterback Ernest Johnston three times and allowed the Colonists only eight offensive plays in the second half and 123 yards in total offense for the game.

Valencia’s other touchdown came when quarterback Chris DeRisio connected with tight end Mike Edwards on a 41-yard scoring play.

The game’s only scoring in the second half came on Bryan Elliott’s 26-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter.