Thomas Scores Four TDs, Leads Santiago to Victory

James Thomas ran for 164 yards and scored four touchdowns to lead Santiago to a 42-3 Garden Grove League victory over Bolsa Grande Friday night at Garden Grove High.

Thomas, who continues to add to his school single-season rushing record, has gained 1,588 yards for the Cavaliers.

Bolsa Grande took a 3-0 lead in the first quarter when Doug Baughman connected on a 27-yard field goal after Ernesto Rodriguez recovered a fumble at the Santiago 17.

Santiago (7-2, 3-2 in league) bounced back on a five-play, 73-yard scoring drive. Thomas scored his first touchdown from eight yards with two seconds left in the quarter.

Daniel Melendez, who finished with 120 yards rushing in 12 carries, scored from the six midway through the second quarter. Thomas scored on a 25-yard run with 5:23 left in half to increase Santiago’s lead to 21-3.

Villicana, who missed a 47-yard field goal in the second quarter, hit a 39-yarder in the third quarter to make it 24-3.

Santiago added three touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Thomas scored on runs of 20 and 14 yards and Bryan Thomas scored on a 15-yard pass play from Brian Pilkington.

Baughman connected on 11 of 31 pass attempts for 203 yards for Bolsa Grande. Steve Jenks had four receptions for 112 yards. Two catches--for 33 and 28 yards--were just out of bounds.

Despite the victory, Santiago would need an upset against league-leading Pacifica and a loss by La Quinta to Garden Grove next week to finish third and receive an automatic playoff berth.