PREP FOOTBALL / Saturday Pullout : Savanna Overcomes a Slow Start

Savanna Coach Fred DiPalma says he never knows what to expect in season opening games. Friday night against Garden Grove, the Rebels sputtered in the opening quarter, spotting the Argonauts a lead, before rolling to a 39-7 victory at Garden Grove.

“The first quarter had me concerned, but it’s part of the learning process,” Di Palma said. “I was pleased with the way the kids responded.”

After Garden Grove (0-1) scored its only touchdown on Ruben Retyna’s one-yard run, the Rebels (1-0) ran away from the Argonauts. Daven King broke loose on an 81-yard scoring run to tie the score with 1 minute 4 seconds left in the first quarter.

On Savanna’s next possession, Eric Shine ran down the sideline for a 70-yard touchdown. Following a Garden Grove fumble, Mike Flores added a 22-yard scoring run late in the half, making it 21-7. A few minutes later, he returned a punt 68 yards for another touchdown with 40 seconds left in the half.

“We have some fast kids on this team and we took advantage of it,” Di Palma said.

Savanna, last season’s Division VI champion, controlled the game with its rushing attack. King paced the team, gaining 112 yards in just nine carries. Shine and Flores finished with 88 and 55 yards, respectively.

Eric Stipes scored the other Savanna touchdown on a 24-yard touchdown pass from Jeremy Klemp. Flores closed the scoring with a 44-yard fourth quarter field goal.

Manuel Millan paced Garden Grove’s offense, rushing for 52 yards on 11 carries.