Alexander’s Early Burst Sparks Unbeaten Valencia

Korey Alexander scored three times on two runs and a pass reception as Valencia remained unbeaten with a 41-0 victory over Magnolia Friday night in the Orange League opener for both schools.

Playing in front of a homecoming crowd of 1,200 at Bradford Stadium, the Tigers (6-0, 1-0) opened a 35-0 lead behind Alexander’s three first-half touchdowns and gave Coach Mike Marrujo his 102nd career victory.

“I’m pleased with the way we opened the league season,” Marrujo said.

Despite a weight disadvantage across the line, Valencia took control early in the game and scored on its first five possessions.

The Tigers, ranked No. 3 in the county, rolled up 319 yards in the first half, and the defense limited the Sentinels (1-5, 0-1) to 76 yards by halftime.

Alexander scored the first three times he touched the ball, on runs of 25 and 11 yards and a 36-yard pass from Marc O’Brien, as Valencia went ahead 21-0 in the first quarter.

The closest Magnolia came to scoring was late in the third quarter when the Sentinels drove to the Valencia 5. However, David Quintero intercepted a Darrell Turner pass two yards deep in the end zone.