ANAHEIM — After Loara’s 35-7 victory over La Quinta in a Tango League football game Thursday night at Western High School, the Saxons seemed to have established themselves as one of the dominant teams in the nine-team league.
Read more High school football: Scores from Thursday’s games, Sept. 17
The Saxons improved to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in the Tango League, which was expanded this season from six teams to nine teams.
The seven points scored by the Aztecs (3-1, 2-1) were the first points allowed by the Saxons this season in league play.
Thanks in part to their defense, the Saxons’ offense has been putting up points. Loara has outscored its first three league opponents by a combined score of 99-7.
“Our defense is playing amazing,” Loara coach Gary Wright said. “Absolutely outstanding.”
Senior Chavonte Carter led Loara’s ground attack by rushing for 147 yards and four touchdowns on 13 carries.
After Carter left the game in the fourth quarter, Santiago Caudillo took over and ran for a 12-yard touchdown to make it a five-touchdown night for the team’s rushing attack.
Read more Angels walk off Twins in 10th inning after Walbert Ureña’s strong start
“I felt like we came in as a unit,” Carter said. “And that showed tonight where we got big plays, because we all came together and did our part.”
One of the biggest plays of the night came in the third quarter with the Saxons leading 14-7.
The Saxons faced second-and-31 from the Loara 14 when Carter ran for a 72-yard gain. Instead of having to punt from deep in their own territory, the Saxons had a first-and-10 at the La Quinta 14.
Four plays later, Carter scored on a 4-yard run to make the score 21-7.
The Aztecs were punting from deep in their own territory on the ensuing drive when defensive lineman Vong Hung Pham broke through and essentially blocked the punt by pushing the offensive lineman into the punter.
“I just pushed him,” Pham said. “He stood up and the ball went right into his helmet.”
On the next play, Carter scored his fourth touchdown on an 8-yard run.
Brandon Berganza scored the Aztecs’ lone touchdown on a 15-yard run in the second quarter.
Read more Jurors rule no damages to be awarded against Santa Ana mortuary for infant’s botched burial