El Segundo’s Defense Too Much for Cathedral, 38-0
Normally, the new kid on the block is subjected to all sorts of abuse from established players.
And even though no football team has pushed El Segundo High around in its inaugural Santa Fe League season, the Eagles have definitely become a defensive bunch.
Saturday afternoon, El Segundo defended its undefeated league record with a 38-0 victory over host Cathedral. The Eagles, who have not been scored upon in league play, improved to 3-0 in the league and 6-0 overall. Cathedral fell to 0-3 and 1-5.
“Our defense has done a tremendous job,” said Coach Steve Newell, who last saw his team scored upon four games ago in a non-league contest against Garey. “There is no doubt that we thought it was our strength coming into the season.
“But I am pleased with the way the offense has been coming along.”
Rightfully so.
El Segundo’s offense was nothing short of a juggernaut Saturday, running roughshod over the Phantoms.
Running back Erik Evans set up the Eagles’ first possession with a 29-yard punt return, then climaxed it by scampering into the end zone from 24 yards out to put El Segundo ahead, 6-0.
Five minutes later, linebacker Rob White tackled Cathedral quarterback Jesus Ortega in the end zone for a safety, and the rout was on.
El Segundo scored three times in the second quarter. Garrett Quintance scored from 8 yards out, quarterback Matt Wise sneaked in from the 1-yard line and Steve Mortensen fell on Ortega’s fumble in the end zone.
Midway through the third quarter, the El Segundo defense registered another safety when Dalen Leatutufu and White cornered Ortega in the end zone. Evans returned the Phantoms’ subsequent kick with a 26-yard return to the Cathedral 47-yard line. Then Evans finished off a nine-play drive with a 6-yard touchdown run.
Evans, who had scored 73 points coming into the game, added to his total with 15 Saturday. The 5-11, 175-pounder gained 128 yards rushing, caught a pass for an 18-yard gain and had a 72-yard kickoff return called back on a penalty.