Argonauts Set Up Title Showdown

Bryan Loken rushed for 97 yards in 14 carries as Garden Grove cruised past Bolsa Grande, 40-7, in a Garden Grove League game Friday at Garden Grove High.

The Argonauts (6-3, 5-0), who meet Pacifica next week with the league title on the line, used a potent option offense to pick apart Bolsa Grande’s defense. Garden Grove scored on its first five possessions.

“These guys always seem to step it up,” Loken said. “We set a goal to make it to CIF and we’ve made it.”

Garden Grove Coach Kris Van Hook said he’s finally looking forward to next week.

“I wanted to take it one game at a time,” he said. “These kids have worked hard and have a chance to win the league title outright.”

Bolsa Grande played without starting running back Ernesto Rodriguez and receiver Jesse Jasso, who were injured.

Loken opened the scoring three minutes into the game, pounding into the end zone from eight yards out.

The Argonauts rolled up 250 yards rushing and attempted only two passes, as quarterbacks Matt Crippen and Keo Sutherland kept the Bolsa Grande defense in a daze.

Included was a tackle-breaking 55-yard touchdown run by Sterling Trotter with 2:25 left in the second quarter.