GARDEN GROVE LEAGUE : Vaqueros Stop Late Charge by Santiago

Rancho Alamitos got 196 rushing yards from senior Chris Young, but Vaquero fans had to hold their breath until the end of Thursday’s 13-12 victory over Santiago at Bolsa Grande High.

Rancho Alamitos (6-2-1, 5-0) led, 13-6, at halftime on the strength of two long drives, but the Cavaliers (3-6, 2-3) made their runs at the league-leading Vaqueros in the final quarter.

--Santiago drove inside the Vaquero 20 early in the fourth quarter, but had to settle for a 29-yard field-goal attempt. The kick by Jose Palacios, who had made only one field goal this season, was wide right.

--On the ensuing Rancho Alamitos possession, the Cavaliers appeared to hold when a pass on third and nine at the Cavalier 39 fell incomplete. However, a facemask penalty against Santiago resulted in a first down at the Santiago 25.

--Santiago took over at its 20 with 2 minutes 52 seconds remaining after the Vaqueros missed a 31-yard field-goal attempt. Two running plays were good for a first down, and then senior Anthony Callari broke loose for a 48-yard run, before fumbling at the Rancho Alamitos 20. Mike Ogle recovered, and Rancho Alamitos ran out the clock.

Santiago used a variety of backs to grind out 229 rushing yards. Callari finished with 94 yards.