Valencia Lives Up to Expectations, 20-9

Valencia High School’s 20-9 victory over Westminster Thursday night before 900 at Valencia fulfilled many of Coach Mike Marrujo’s hopes and expectations.

The expectations were a given, because Marrujo is counting on big seasons from Keef Leasure, Brandon Douglas, Steve Rangel and Andy Giacumacis.

The hopes? Well . . .

“I know what Leasure, Douglas, Rangel and Giacumacis can do,” Marrujo said. “What I want to see is what the other 18 (starters) can do.”

The other 18 did just fine, for the most part. Several, in fact, made an impression on Westminster, which lost to Valencia for the second year in a row.

Quarterback Tracy Garrett, running back Kevin Thomas, defensive end Duane Allen and wide receiver/defensive back Guy Shepard, did well in their season debut. And only Shepard was a starter last season, when the Tigers won the Central Conference championship.

Westminster took a 6-0 lead on its first possession, scoring on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Bob Elliot to Al Togonon.

But Valencia came right back. On the Tigers’ second offensive play, Thomas swept left, cut inside Douglas’ block, and broke free for an 81-yard scoring run. Richard Wells’ extra point made it 7-6.

Westminster scored on its next possession, as a 41-yard pass from Elliot to Togonon set up a a 27-yard field goal by Ryan Pence.

Valencia went ahead to stay with 9:43 left in the second quarter. Garrett, who was just 2 of 12 for 51 yards, completed an 8-yard sideline pass to Shepard, who turned back to the middle and went untouched for a 40-yard touchdown and a 13-9 Valencia lead.

Giacumacis’ first of his two fumble recoveries set up 14-yard touchdown drive with 7:56 left in the half. Leasure, who had 69 yards in 17 attempts, carried twice, scoring on a 7-yard run. Wells’ extra point gave the Tigers a 20-9 lead.

The rest was left up to the defense. Elliot had 131 yards passing in the first quarter, but finished with 188, completing just 16 of 41 passes.

The Tigers sacked Elliot seven times, with Allen getting to him four times. Shepard had two interceptions, both in the fourth quarter.