Footman’s 81-Yard Run Breaks It for Esperanza

Dahrin Footman raced 81 yards for a touchdown midway in the third quarter to break up a defensive battle and lead Esperanza (2-0) to a 24-0 victory over Santa Ana Valley (1-1) in a nonleague game at Santa Ana Stadium Friday night.

“They dominated us defensively in the first half,” said Aztec Coach Gary Meek. Esperanza could only muster a 3-0 lead at intermission, thanks to a 42-yard field goal by Yancy Knox.

Bill Ross completed the scoring with touchdown runs of 15 and 17 yards in the fourth quarter following a fumble recovery on the Falcon 16 and a bad snap on a punt try which gave the Aztecs the ball on the Falcon 22.

The Santa Ana Valley defense limited the Esperanza quarterbacking duo of Jon Aed and Garrett Campbell to one completion in 12 tries. Alfredo Macias, Toma Johnson and Kevin Marks broke up passes.

Esperanza’s defense was overwhelming in recording its second shutout of the season. The Aztecs limited Santa Ana Valley to 31 yards rushing and 11 yards passing. Esperanza had seven sacks.

Santa Ana Valley starting quarterback Aaron Tuioti was shaken up early in the fourth quarter and was held out for the rest of the game as a precautionary measure, according to Falcon Coach Scott Strosnider.