Foothill Tops Santa Ana Valley, Clinches Share of Title

Foothill clinched a share of its first Century League title in nine years with a 29-6 victory over Santa Ana Valley at Tustin High. The Knights can win the title outright and complete their unbeaten league run Friday by beating Orange.

Fullback John Bain scored two touchdowns and Jason DeAngelo had one as Foothill (6-3, 4-0) coasted to its sixth victory in a row. The Knights are assured of a berth in the playoffs.

“This is spectacular. Our team is on a roll,” Foothill lineman Chris Hoke said.

Foothill Coach Tom Meiss said, “We sure got off to a shaky start. I was more worried about this game than any all year. They had nothing to lose and that was a scary thing for us.”

Though Foothill started sluggishly, Santa Ana Valley (4-5, 1-3) played with less vigor. The Falcons managed only 70 yards offense and two first downs in the first half. They finished with 149 yards to 294 for Foothill.

Foothill took a 13-0 halftime lead on an eight-yard touchdown run by sophomore Tramel Robinson and a 22-yard scoring pass from quarterback Kevin Daft to Bain. The latter score occurred two plays after Santa Ana Valley botched a punt, giving Foothill possession at the Falcon 22.

Bain, who had four catches for 60 yards, added a 11-yard touchdown run with 8:39 remaining in the third quarter to make the score 21-0.

Running back Dwayne Cherrington spoiled Foothill’s shutout bid by scoring on a six-yard run with 42 seconds remaining in the third quarter, capping a 15-play, 80-yard drive. Cherrington finished as the game’s leading rusher with 89 yards in 20 carries.

DeAngelo added a fourth quarter touchdown run for Foothill.