Santa Ana Valley’s Graves Stays Cool in Victory Over Dana Hills

Quarterback Gary Graves’ poise under pressure helped Santa Ana Valley defeat Dana Hills, 15-0, Friday night at the Santa Ana Bowl.

Graves scored on a 5-yard run with 6:15 remaining to put the Falcons ahead by the final score, but it was Graves’ confidence and quickness that sustained the long, time-consuming drives that helped keep Dana Hills’ defense on the field.

Graves rushed for 50 yards in 17 carries. More significantly, he guided the Falcons’ offense, which outgained Dana Hills 126 yards to 63 in total offense.

Dana Hills (2-1-1) was plagued by penalties, poor field position and fumbled punt returns.

A fumbled Dana Hills punt return set up Santa Ana Valley’s first touchdown, a 28-yard run by James Barclay with 10:40 remaining in the second quarter.

The Falcons (2-1-1) led, 2-0, after Mike Serrano tackled quarterback Albie Sukut in the end zone with 3:45 left in the first quarter.

Sukut was intercepted four times, twice by Santa Ana Valley’s Fono Lutui. Sukut was sacked twice for a total of 9 yards, and completed five of 20 attempts for 90 yards.