PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE : One Touchdown Enough to Give Century a Victory

Despite five turnovers, Century managed to hold off Estancia, 7-3, in the opening game of Pacific Coast League play for both teams Friday night at Orange Coast College.

The Centurions (2-3-1, 1-0) lost four fumbles and an interception and managed to find the end zone only once, but a strong defensive effort was enough to hold off the host Eagles.

“I have to give a lot of credit to our defense,” said running back Julio Garcias, who ended the game with 67 yards rushing in 20 carries.

“They didn’t let down after all the turnovers and kept us in the game tonight,” he said.

Century held Estancia to 32 yards passing and 87 rushing and muscled in its only points on the fourth possession when Robert Villegas ran three yards for a touchdown with 9:19 remaining in the first half.

Estancia (1-5, 0-1) scored on a 38-yard field goal by Juan Rodriquez with 21 seconds remaining in the half after Jairo Arceyut intercepted a Stanley Villanueva pass on the Eagle 44.

The Eagles were led by sophomore Bachy Gonzales, who gained a game-high 76 yards in 25 carries.

The Centurions’ only league loss last season was 22-15 to the Eagles.

“We try not to use that as motivation,” Coach Bill Brown said. “We just try to win whatever game is next on the schedule.”