Valencia Shuts Out Brea-Olinda to Earn a Share of League Title

Valencia High School recorded its third shutout of the season Friday night, 30-0 over Brea-Olinda, to secure a share of the Orange League title, its seventh in a row.

Valencia is tied with Savanna, which defeated Western Friday night, 14-13. After a coin flip, Valencia was designated the No. 2 playoff representative. Savanna is No. 1, and Western third.

Any playoff hopes for Brea-Olinda, (7-3 overall and 2-3 in league), were squelched by the loss.

Much of the credit for the Valencia’s success this season, and against Brea-Olinda, was directly related to its defense, which has allowed just 46 points this season.

Valencia, (9-0-1, 4-0-1), forced Brea into turnovers on three first-half possessions and held a 17-0 lead.

Senior running back Sergio Ortiz scored on a three-yard run on the second play of the second quarter to give the Tigers a 7-0 lead. Senior defensive back Paul Castillo set up the touchdown when he intercepted a pass by Brea-Olinda quarterback Chad Marlow at the Tiger 41-yard line and returned it to the three.

Senior quarterback Richard Wells connected on a 31-yard scoring play to wide receiver David Sanchez with 9:21 remaining in the second quarter to make it 14-0. That followed another Brea-Olinda turnover. Ryan Nicholson fumbled after a 25-yard pass reception, and Ryan Roskelly recovered for Valencia.

The Tigers sealed the victory early in the fourth quarter when junior Mike Ehli recovered Ortiz’s fumble in the end zone to make it 24-0.