Experienced Sonora Rolls Past Santa Ana

Experience in key offensive positions paved the way to Sonora’s 19-0 victory over Santa Ana Friday at La Habra High.

Sonora’s experience starts at the top with quarterback Nick Ross, who passed for 102 yards, and ran for 39.

Ross guided the Raiders to a touchdown in the first possession of the game, capping the drive with a 29-yard touchdown scramble down the right sideline.

The 84-yard, six-minute drive set the theme for a penalty-filled game. Sonora managed to score despite six penalties during the drive.

Sonora running back David Mayfield also made a statement in the first quarter, gaining 47 of his 106 yards in the quarter.

Mayfield’s most impressive run came with 52 seconds remaining in the first half, when he juked and stutter-stepped his way through the Santa Ana defense on his way to a five-yard touchdown.

The touchdown gave the Raiders a 17-0 lead at the half, and was important because Santa Ana’s defense was played well.

Santa Ana defensive back Rene Candelas intercepted a pass by Ross on the 13-yard line to stop a first-quarter threat, and Sonora had to settle for a 31-yard field goal by Ross when it was stopped at the Santa Ana 14 in the second quarter.

The only points of the second half were scored by Sonora defensive back Martin Soto when he tackled Santa Ana quarterback Gildardo Sanchez for a safety in the third quarter.

The Saints were led by Sanchez, who gained 82 yards in 21 carries. Santa Ana had trouble passing, as the inexperienced Sanchez failed to make a completion in nine attempts.