Second-Half Surge Fuels Saugus Win

In a game marred by turnovers and penalties, Saugus High’s size and strength finally overpowered Santa Barbara in the second half for a 21-0 victory in a nonleague opener Friday.

Early in the first quarter, Saugus quarterback Chris Kobe was sidelined after taking a hit to his already-injured left knee. Justin Tashek replaced Kobe and threw three interceptions on three attempts.

Saugus running back Mark Pecaro carried the offense, rushing 21 times for 135 yards and two touchdowns on runs of 28 and one yard.

The defensive spark for the Centurions came from senior middle linebacker Kevin Gibberson, who was in on nearly every tackle.

The Centurion defense was so strong that the Dons could not manage a first down in the first half, moving the ball mostly on penalties. The game was scoreless at halftime.

Santa Barbara had only 74 yards of offense.

Kobe returned in the third quarter and connected with Chad Hilton on a 12-yard pass play.

Saugus’ Gregg Johnson caught three passes for 60 yards.