BOYS’ ATHLETE OF THE WEEK : Kevin Pola

It took most of the season for Pola, a six-foot, 220-pound runner, to get his hands on the ball, but he made the most of it against Lynwood Saturday. With Dasy Tech sidelined with a knee injury, Santa Ana gave Pola the ball again and again. He scored the Saints’ first touchdown in a 23-14 victory that gave Coach Dick Hill his 191st career victory, which tied the Orange County record held by former Loara coach Herb Hill. Pola, who is playing in his first varsity season, carried 34 times for 191 yards. It was the second time this season Pola has gained at least 100 yards in a game. He gained 100 yards in nine carries in a 38-21 loss to Mater Dei in the Saints’ third game of the season, but Pola wasn’t getting as many carries as Tech, who has gained nearly 800 yards this season compared to about 600 for Pola. Dick Hill said Pola, who also is a linebacker, has been improving steadily and was given the opportunity for more carries when Tech was injured last week. “That’s what he’s been telling me--give him the ball,” Hill said.

Other top performers:

Angel Barrios, who rushed for 211 yards in 20 carries and scored a touchdown in Buena Park’s 28-13 victory over Troy that clinched the Coyotes’ first playoff spot since 1981.

Mark Bochenek, who rushed for a 75-yard touchdown on his first carry of the season and also intercepted a pass and returned it 18 yards for a touchdown in Laguna Hills’ 61-28 rout of Laguna Beach Thursday.

Vince Church, who scored five touchdowns, including an 82-yard return of the opening kickoff, and rushed for 124 yards in 18 carries in Kennedy’s 41-11 victory over Los Amigos Friday.

School: Santa Ana High School Sport: Football Position: Running back Class: Junior