The Century HS Centurions were unable to stop the University HS Trojans in varsity football action Friday night, Sep 9 in Santa Ana. Uni piled up 311 yards and 14 first downs enroute to a 34-0 halftime lead.
Only a reported lightning strike as collateral from Hurricane Kay (the first one to hit So Cal in some 25 years) could stop the Trojans. The referees cleared the field at halftime and the game was called shortly thereafter while the teams were in their locker rooms. This is the first time Uni has won two road games in a season since the 2017 season and the first time Uni has had two shutout victories in the same season since 2016. The Trojans have not had two road shutout victories in the MaxPreps era (starting 2004).
The game was played in a modest sprinkle, but that didn’t stop Jr QB Koa Saito from completing 8 of 10 passes for 225 yards and 4 TDs (all between 35 and 46 yards). This was Saito’s 3rd 200 yard-plus passing game this season.
Jr wide receiver Blaine Anderson caught 4 passes for a season high 127 yards and 2 TDs (42 yards for the opening score and 46 yards late in the second quarter). This was Anderson’s third time this season that he had 100+ yards in receptions.
Jr wideout Jonathan Soto grabbed 3 tosses for 59 yards, including a 35-yard scoring strike.
Jr receiver Zephyr Reynolds ran like the wind to corral a 39-yard pass for a touchdown. To top it off, Reynolds made the tackle on the ensuing kickoff.
Not to be outdone by the passing game were the running performances by a pair of Jr running backs. Jai Williams ran for 62 yards on 10 carries including a one-yard major. Williams has run for a touchdown in all four games and has six on the season. Asger Ross got his first action in the backfield and carried twice for an impressive 24 yards. Skye Murphy converted four of five PAT kicks to give him an even dozen successful converts on the season.
The Trojan defense was on the field for only 19 plays while covering five kickoffs. Century was limited to 11 rushing yards in 19 carries. They did not attempt a pass marking two consecutive games where the Trojans’ opponent had nary a passing yard.
Sr LB Chris Rue led the way with half a dozen tackles. Jr DB Brooks Beckmann added five with a tackle for loss. Jr LB Williams, Jr DT Reynolds and Sr DT Tomas Arango all had four tackles. Williams also recorded a sack. The Centurions were limited to a single first down.
The 2-2 Trojans play their first home game Fri night, Sep 16 vs. 1-3 city rival Irvine.