Tustin Grinds Out Victory Over Santa Ana

Using a bruising rushing attack, Tustin efficiently defeated Santa Ana, 28-6, in a Golden West League football game at Santa Ana Stadium Friday.

Branden Malcom rushed for 157 yards and a touchdown in 20 carries to lead an offense that gained 342 yards rushing, kept the ball for more than 31 minutes and had three scoring drives of five minutes or longer.

Tustin improved to 4-3 and 2-0 in league heading into its showdown with Servite (3-4, 2-0) next week. Santa Ana fell to 2-5, 1-1.

“We’re not the breakaway threat we were last season,” said Tustin Coach Myron Miller. “But we’re still physical and I think we’re a tough football team. We’ll get it three and four yards at a time.”

Tustin (4-3, 2-0 in league) converted two fourth-down opportunities on its final scoring drive, including a fourth-and-four from its 27 with 3 minutes 35 seconds remaining in the third quarter while nursing a 21-6 lead.

Fullback David Little (11 carries, 66 yards) gained 11 yards on a dive play to keep the drive alive, and Malcom’s 10-yard scamper on a pitch play behind Robert Tialino (6-feet-2, 285 pounds) and Derek Johnson (6-1, 245) converted a fourth-and-one at the Santa Ana 21.

Little culminated the 15-play, 92-yard, 8-minute 2-second drive with a five-yard touchdown run with 11:01 remaining to extend the Tillers’ lead to 28-6.

Tustin opened the game with a 10-play, 80-yard drive that culminated with a three-yard touchdown run by James Sargent (11 carries, 67 yards.)

Quarterback David Miller made his first start since suffering a knee injury three weeks ago. He completed three of four passes for 41 yards and a touchdown.

“He had knee surgery only eight days ago,” Myron Miller said. “He just didn’t want to stay out.”

In another league game:

Saddleback 51, Westminster 48--Saddleback kicker Carlos Rangel made a 26-yard field goal with 10 seconds left in the game for the victory.

With the score tied, 48-48, Westminster attempted an onside kick, but Saddleback recovered. On the first play of the drive, Joe Gonzalez carried the ball 32 yards. Saddleback (2-4-1, 1-1) stopped the clock and Rangel converted the game-winner.

Westminster (2-5, 0-2) scored two touchdowns in the final 1:25 to tie the score.