Santa Ana Muddles Through, Wins

Little guys making big plays led Santa Ana to its biggest victory in eight years, a 31-20 victory over Antelope Valley in the inaugural McDonalds Community College Bowl on Saturday night at Antelope Valley College.

Sophomore running back Tramel Robinson--listed on the roster at 5 feet 8, but in reality a couple of inches shorter--traversed a muddy field for 158 rushing yards and two touchdowns in 34 carries to pace the Dons (8-3) to their first bowl victory since 1989.

Quarterback Archie Lappin, a 5-9 freshman, completed 14 of 21 passes for 261 yards and a touchdown, as Santa Ana rolled up 457 yards offense and kept the Marauders playing catch-up.

Seven of Lappin’s completions went to Sam Stremick, who had 153 reception yards and was selected the game’s most valuable player.

“Ever since I started playing, everyone’s been bigger than me,” Lappin said. “People think it’s a disadvantage. But it’s kind of an advantage, people trying to tackle someone who cuts underneath them.”

Antelope Valley (7-4) discovered as much chasing Robinson, whose second-half scoring runs of one and eight yards extended the Dons’ lead after two touchdowns pulled the Marauders to within striking distance.

Santa Ana (formerly Rancho Santiago), which defeated Moorpark, 31-28, in the 1989 Orange County Bowl, led, 17-14, early in the third quarter before Robinson scored from one yard to cap a 63-yard drive.

Robinson, the Mission Conference Central Division offensive player of the year, closed out the scoring early in the fourth quarter after a four-yard touchdown pass from Brad Norris to Ronnie Blair pulled Antelope Valley to within 24-20 midway through the third quarter.

“He is really something,” Santa Ana Coach Dave Ogas said of Robinson. “The mud hurts the long-legged guys more than the short-legged guys.”

Robinson, who emerged with his white jersey covered with mud, revealed he actually stands 5-6.

“I’ve never played on a field this muddy,” Robinson said. “I just tried to run straight and not cut too much, but they were missing me.”

Santa Ana had little trouble containing Lafayette Bailey, the Marauders’ standout running back.

Bailey, who entered with 856 rushing yards, was held to minus-10 yards in nine carries. Bailey’s longest gain went for eight yards and twice he was thrown for losses of at least 10 yards.