Another Shutout for Pacifica

Pacifica’s defense pitched its second consecutive shutout over a Garden Grove League opponent, beating Santiago, 35-0, Thursday at Garden Grove High School.

After holding Garden Grove to 101 yards in a 42-0 victory last week, Pacifica held Santiago to 137 yards.

The defense also aided the offense, as Pacifica started three of its first five drives inside Santiago territory. Running back Ted Telemaque ran for a six-yard score late in the first quarter for a 7-0 lead.

That was the only time Pacifica capitalized on excellent field position in the first half. Mariner drives that began on the Santiago 49, 32 and 26 ended with two missed field goals by Derek Crocker and a fourth-and-two attempt that fell short.

But Pacifica broke through in the third quarter. Javon Smith, who rushed for a game-high 158 yards on 20 carries, had a one-yard touchdown run to make it 14-0. Pacifica began the drive at the Santiago 30 after a 13-yard punt.

On Santiago’s next possession, quarterback Anthony Garcia fumbled a snap at the Pacifica 42. Two plays later, J.P. Lee weaved through the defense and raced 51 yards for the score to put the game out of reach.

Pacifica (3-2, 2-0) racked up 270 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Chris Naughton scored a defensive touchdown on a 58-yard fumble return in the fourth quarter.

Rudy Rodriguez and Villamu Taafua combined for 136 yards rushing for Santiago (2-3, 1-1).