Santa Ana Valley Hopes Victory Signals the Start of a New Era

Every streak has its story, some more telling than others. Last week, Santa Ana Valley’s football program turned the page on a woeful past. A behind-the-scenes look at its new beginning. . . .

Wednesday, noon. Santa Ana Valley football Coach Scott Strosnider sits back in his chair and sighs. He looks as if he’d rather eat algae than have to say another word about his team’s 13-game losing streak.

Yes, Strosnider says wearily, Valley has the longest losing streak in Orange County. Yes, the Falcons are aiming to end it--Thursday night against University. And yes, he’d really like to change the subject.

Strosnider likes the word “family.” In five minutes, he has used it about 25 times. It’s the team’s motto, he says, though the Falcon players prefer the word “stoked.” In any case, they’re a close-knit bunch. They support each other in every way, he says, especially during those mandatory morning study halls.

Those who miss study hall--7 a.m. Monday through Friday--are dealt with later on the football field, Strosnider says. Since the class--and other academic and behavioral standards--were implemented one year ago, 40 boys decided Falcon football was no longer for them.

But 100 remain, and the program’s overall grade-point-average has risen from 2.0 to 2.6.

The bell rings. The Falcon equipment manager brings in a bag of spicy homemade pork rinds. Strosnider says thanks but no thanks, and eats one anyway. Quarterback Aaron Tuioti enters Strosnider’s office and plops down in a chair. He’s asked about the streak. Last season, he says with a sigh, is something of a blur.

Unfortunately, a few games stand out. Like the 42-0 loss to Esperanza--during which five Falcon starters left the game with season-ending injuries. And the next week’s 35-21 loss to University--when five more starters didn’t suit up because they attended the quinceanera (15th birthday party) of a teammate’s sister.

And--presenting Tuioti’s vote for Most Forgettable Game--the 9-6 loss to Villa Park. Valley managed some last-minute motivation, got to Villa Park’s seven-yard line, then . . . ran out of time. Add communication breakdowns, continual mental mistakes and a general what-have-we-done-to-deserve-this helplessness, and you know the in-depth story of Falcon Football ’91.

The morning after the last game, the junior and sophomore players showed up at Strosnider’s office. How soon, they asked, could they start preparing for the 1992 season?

Thursday, pregame. Two kids wearing Valley sweat shirts are playing catch outside the gate at Santa Ana Stadium. Fans are being frisked by security personnel. The woman behind the snack bar window says she can’t sell a single bag of peanuts for 50 cents. You must buy two for $1.

In the stands, the Falcon flag girls are giggling over a new routine. Several members of the marching band discuss a song by Chuck Mangione. Three Valley students quietly do geometry homework.

A woman tells her companion that Valley chose its nickname because the farmland that once surrounded the school was inhabited by falcons. At least that’s what it says in the game program, she says. A ball boy listens to last-minute instruction. Tuioti and senior lineman Phillip Fulivai stride across the field for the coin flip.

The band breaks into a peppy rendition of “Louie, Louie.” Rod, Bennie and Joe--members of Valley’s chain crew--describe last season as “fun but depressing.” They report that the freshman team won its game earlier in the afternoon, beating University, 7-0. It’s a great sign, they say.

The Falcons take the field. As University kicks off, Valley players raise their hands, holding two fingers in a “V.” Please, one player says to no one in particular, let’s win this one.

Tuioti throws his first pass into the ground. A few plays later, his pass is intercepted at the 50. On Valley’s next possession, sophomore running back Dwayne Cherrington slips through the Trojan line, zigzags around a defender and outsprints everybody to the end zone. The crowd roars. But a flag is thrown. Clipping, Santa Ana Valley.

Two plays later, another interception. Trojan linebacker T.J. Willmott runs the ball 14 yards into the end zone. University leads, 7-0.

It’s not a happy moment. Players scream at each other to regroup. A few seconds later, speedy Tristan Lynch returns the kickoff 89 yards for a Valley touchdown. It’s a dazzling effort. Falcon fans are nearly hysterical.

The Valley defense cranks up its intensity. Hits are getting harder. Players are playing smarter. A fumble recovery by Enrique Farias brings Valley’s offense back on the field, at the Trojan 24.

Valley fans are already on their feet screaming when VaaitiSio slips through the Trojan defense and sprints 12 yards into the end zone. The extra-point attempt is blocked. It’s only the second quarter, but the Falcons are celebrating their 13-7 lead as if it’s a Super Bowl blowout.

The second half starts with a shock. Lynch, Valley’s star running back, defensive back and backup quarterback, is caught between two players--one of whom is his teammate--and hears a snap. He’s carried to the sideline with a broken leg. His girlfriend, watching from the front row, bursts into tears. Someone hands her a stack of napkins.

Lynch, who is expected to be out for about four weeks, is anything but distraught: “At least I got my touchdown,” he says cheerfully.

His isn’t Valley’s only breakdown. Miscues, missed tackles, miscommunication . . . the Falcons spend a good part of the fourth quarter watching University take advantage of Valley mistakes. The Trojans make their way to the Falcon 25. It’s fourth-and-four with 3:04 remaining. An official yells at Strosnider to get off the field.

With quick-thinking pass coverage, Valley snuffs the Trojan rally. A last-ditch pass sails out of bounds. A roar fills the stadium. Strosnider beams. His players punch and hug each other in a joyous melee. The clock winds down. Eyes twinkle with sweet relief.

A new chapter begins.