Rodriguez, Taafua Help Santiago Rush by Magnolia

Santiago scored only one touchdown in its first two games, but Friday night the Cavaliers racked up 323 yards en route to a 28-18 victory over visiting Magnolia at Garden Grove.

Santiago (1-2) was led by running backs Rudy Rodriguez and Villamu Taafua, who combined for 213 yards rushing. Rodriguez’s kick returns sparked the special teams, giving Santiago good field position on every drive.

Taafua, a 6-0, 245-pound junior, bulled his way through the Sentinel defense for 125 yards in 16 carries and added two touchdowns.

The Cavalier defense contained Sentinel running back Tim Beaty, limiting him to 20 yards rushing in the first half, although he broke loose for 70 yards in 10 carries in the second half.

His effort helped Magnolia (1-2) get back in the game. The Sentinels pulled to within 21-18 early in the fourth quarter on a wild play.

Rodriguez slipped away from the Sentinel secondary and appeared be headed for a touchdown but stumbled near midfield. Magnolia defensive back Dennis Smith took advantage, stripping Rodriguez of the ball and returning it 43 yards for the touchdown.

Santiago finally responded with 8 1/2 minutes to go when quarterback Anthony Garcia passed 35 yards for a touchdown to flanker Charlie Carter.

Garcia opened the game with a 63-yard screen pass for a touchdown to Rodriguez.