Savanna Runs Over Magnolia in Opener

Savanna’s Fred DiPalma, like many football coaches, hates to put too much emphasis on one game. But there was no denying the importance of Thursday night’s Orange League opener at Glover Stadium.

For a team that had not done as well in five nonleague games as it had hoped, a victory was the perfect way to begin a second-half salvage project.

And Savanna delivered with a 31-0 victory over Magnolia, spoiling the Sentinels’ homecoming in front of about 1,000 fans.

“It’s huge,” DiPalma said. “Next week is next week, but you’re either 0-1 in league or 1-0.”

Both teams hoped to use Thursday’s game as a springboard to a turnaround, but Savanna’s line play--on both sides of the ball--and overall consistency were the difference.

Micos Benjamin rushed 17 times for 87 yards and one touchdown; Marcus Jimmerson rushed nine times for 70 yards and one touchdown; and Raul Diaz rushed seven times for 62 yards and one touchdown as the Rebels (3-3, 1-0) outgained Magnolia, 249-113.

Like Savanna, Magnolia (1-5, 0-1) had lost two in a row, giving up 103 points in the process with a defense decimated by injuries. Two weeks ago, against Fullerton, the Sentinels were missing eight starters. Against Savanna, they were missing only one.

It didn’t matter to the Rebels, who put together drives of 77 and 89 yards on their second and third possessions.

The first was keyed by Brandon Robles’ one-handed, eight-yard reception on a third-and-seven attempt, and a 29-yard carry by Benjamin that immediately preceded Diaz’s 11-yard scoring run.

The second drive was even more impressive, with Jimmerson spinning out of tackles for a 25-yard gain before scoring from the three.

Savanna’s 14-0 lead quickly became 21-0 as Frank Buford intercepted a pass on Magnolia’s next possession and returned it 32 yards for a score.

Kenny Castaneda added to his extra points with a 47-yard field goal in the third quarter, and Benjamin polished off the Sentinels with a four-yard run with 1:58 left in the third quarter.

“Everyone showed some real heart and pride,” said Benjamin. “We can build off this.”

Magnolia’s Scott Gilbert broke his ankle on the opening kickoff.