Servite Takes the Top Spot With Victory

Servite High wrapped up the top-seeded position in the Golden West League and finished as co-champion with Tustin after a 34-16 victory over Santa Ana Friay night.

The Friars (5-5, 4-1) attempted only four passes. Mark Bedard led Servite with 148 yards rushing and Matt Gogan added 133.

Santa Ana (3-7, 2-3) gambled successfully on its opening drive, which covered 82 yards and included a 14-yard run by Tony Jones on a fourth and seven from its 38-yard line. Jones scored on a nine-yard pass from Hector Candelas to give the Saints a 6-0 lead.

A 51-yard kickoff return by Gogan set up the Friars’ first scoring drive. Tyrone Gribben scored from three yards out early in the second quarter.

Gribben scored again from two yards out with 4:24 left in the second quarter to make the score 14-6.

Santa Ana missed a chance to close the gap but a clipping penalty reduced a 75-yard touchdown run to a 50-yard gain.

The drive ended when Curtis Bibolet intercepted a pass on the one. Santa Ana tight end Albert Saldana was injured on the play and taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital with a pinched nerve. He was later released.

Servite covered 80 yards on six plays. Dan Petropulos hit Chad Bystedt with a 16-yard scoring pass with 22 seconds left in the half.