Valencia Scores Another Shutout

Valencia recorded its fourth shutout in five games, defeating Brea-Olinda, 28-0, in its Orange League opener Friday night at Brea-Olinda High School.

The Tiger defense held Brea quarterback Paul Chiotti to six completions in 18 attempts and scored with 6:50 left in the first half when Jess Najera scooped up a fumble and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown.

Brea came close to scoring on its first possession of the game, but a 36-yard field goal attempt by Tommy Prenovost was blocked by Damian Askins. Najera then gave Valencia a 7-0 lead with 11:50 remaining in the second quarter when he took a screen pass from Rob Petko and ran 39 yards down the left sideline for a score.

Valencia (5-1, 1-0) scored its third touchdown of the second quarter when Joey Secoda intercepted a pass from Chiotti at Brea 41 and returned it to the five. After a holding penalty moved the ball back 10 yards, Chris Draft pulled in a 15-yard touchdown pass and the Tigers took 21-0 lead into halftime.

Brea (2-4, 0-1) got a charge when Chris Beamer punted the ball inside Valencia’s one early in the third quarter, but the Tigers marched 99 yards in 10 plays and scored on Petko’s one-yard run.

Draft led all rushers with 90 yards in 16 carries, and Petko completed seven of 13 passes for 106 yards.

Casey King led Brea with 74 yards rushing in 20 carries. The rest of the Wildcat offense managed just one yard on the ground and 77 passing.