Hernandez Leads Valencia to Defeat of Savanna

Robert Hernandez passed for 176 yards and two touchdowns to lead Valencia to a 31-7 victory over Savanna in an Orange League game Friday night at Valencia.

Hernandez was sharp throughout the game, completing 13 of 19 passes.

Valencia (4-2, 1-0), took a 7-0 lead with 4:17 remaining in the first quarter when Hernandez made a 16-yard touchdown pass to Sunny Lopez.

The Tigers made the score 13-0 when Grant Dhenin scored from eight yards out with 10:49 left in the first half. Dhenin led Valencia, rushing for 100 yards on 17 carries. The touchdown was set up by an interception by Scott Parker.

Savanna’s problems were only beginning, as the Rebels (0-6, 0-1), lost Raol Diaz and Buddy Kendrick to right leg injuries in the second quarter. Kendrick’s injury was severe enough that he was taken to Kaiser Permanente Anaheim Medical Center.

Valencia kept the pressure on, taking a 21-0 lead with 1:23 left before halftime when Hernandez passed 30 yards to Justin Fletcher. Hernandez then hit Dan Fenstermaker for a two-point conversion.

Valencia opened the second half by going 80 yards in 11 plays, with Parker scoring from the three-yard line, giving the Tigers a 28-0 lead.

Ronald McCullough got Savanna’s touchdown when he ran seven yards with 2:15 left in the game.