Santa Ana Captures Central Title

Santa Ana running back Camron King and wide receiver Jeremiah Armendariz set records Saturday, but it was the Dons’ defense that made the difference.

The defense had five sacks and caused three turnovers as host Santa Ana beat Riverside, 31-14, to win the Mission Conference Central Division title.

King, bothered by a sore left ankle, managed 121 yards in 29 carries, highlighted by a slick 45-yard touchdown run that included a deft cutback at about the 15. The score put Santa Ana ahead, 28-14, early in the fourth quarter.

King has gained 1,418 yards this season and 2,384 in two years. He set records for single-season and career carries at 259 and 448, respectively, Saturday.

He could become the Dons’ single-season and career rushing leader when Santa Ana plays in a bowl game on Dec. 4. King needs only 13 yards for the season record and 69 yards for the all-time mark.

Bowl bids will be issued today and the Strawberry Bowl at Cerritos is the most likely destination for Santa Ana (7-3, 4-1 in the division).

Armendariz caught 10 passes for 95 yards to set the Santa Ana single-season mark with 59 catches.

Riverside (4-6, 2-3) scored on its first possession and was driving on its second when Santa Ana defensive end Peter Frousaikis helped turn the game around.

He sacked Riverside quarterback Scott Shepard from behind, causing a fumble that was recovered by teammate Naisa Fonua at the Santa Ana 35. The Dons then drove 65 yards for the tying touchdown.

“We came out flat,” Frousaikis said, “but we pulled together like we did all season.”