Quarterback Fills in Fine as Century Wins

A few jitters and two interceptions were no problem for Johnny Martinez, who led Century to a 34-13 victory over Jurupa Valley Friday night at Santa Ana Stadium.

Martinez’s numbers weren’t great, but after he completed eight of 16 passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns, he couldn’t help but smile. In place of Karlo Balderrama, who injured his shoulder last week in a victory over La Mirada, Martinez was more than adequate.

“I wanted to get my big chance,” Martinez said. “I had to prove myself. I was a little nervous, I admit. Being in there for the first time got to me after a while.”

It got to Jurupa Valley (2-2), too.

Martinez drove Century 63 yards in nine plays for a touchdown in the first quarter, capping it with a four-yard scoring toss to Abel Perez.

Century (3-1) made it 14-0 in the second quarter when Joe Loaiza intercepted a pass from Tony Ferreira and returned it 43 yards for a touchdown. Ferreira was called on to replace Jurupa Valley starter George Marquecho, who left the game with a shoulder injury in the first quarter and didn’t return.

Leading 20-7 at halftime, Century put the game away in the fourth quarter with two quick touchdowns.