PLACENTIA – Valencia’s football team jumped out to another strong season start on Thursday, but the Tigers know it’s just a start.
The Tigers scored on five of their first six drives with big pass plays and a consistent run game, and their defense boxed in Katella for a second consecutive opening victory over the Knights, 34-7, at Valencia High.
“For a first game, I thought that we played pretty well,” Valencia coach Jason Gray said. “I felt like we were consistent enough in the running game to set some things up. The kids took care of the football, which is a big goal for the first game of the year. We did a little bit of everything OK.”
FINAL: Valencia 34, Katella 7
The Tigers post a thorough victory over the Knights thanks to over 240 yards on the ground from eight ball carriers.
Valencia (1-0) is home against Magnolia next Thursday. Katella (0-1) is home in two weeks against Estancia. @ocvarsity pic.twitter.com/pCLm7aUBQW
— Zach Cavanagh (@ZachCav) August 23, 2024
Valencia beat Katella last season on the road, 63-0, to start a three-game season-opening winning streak for the Tigers. Valencia lost its final seven games of last season, but the Tigers have a renewed focus for 2024.
“I feel like all of us have the same mentality to go out and win,” Valencia senior Louis Galvan said. “This season, we have the mentality that we want to go play in CIF. We want to have a positive record this year. I feel like truly that’s what we’re doing.”
“We want more than 10 games,” added Tigers senior Colton Caves.
Valencia (1-0) will host Magnolia at home Thursday, Aug. 29, and Katella (0-1) will host Estancia on Sept. 5.
The Tigers set the tone with a rough-and-tumble running game with eight different ballcarriers combining for 246 yards on the ground. Caves led the way with 89 yards on nine carries and a second-quarter score. Galvan was right behind with 81 yards on 12 carries and a third-quarter score.
“I’ve just got to give all the thanks to my linemen,” Caves said. “They were putting up crazy blocks tonight. The holes were big, so I just hit them.”
Valencia seniors Colton Caves and Louis Galvan both ran for over 80 yards and a TD, as the Tigers controlled their opener over Katella, 34-7
Valencia started last season 3-0 before an 0-7 finish, but this season, these seniors “want more than 10 games” and a CIF spot. @ocvarsity pic.twitter.com/GD4IYTm4hW
— Zach Cavanagh (@ZachCav) August 23, 2024
Valencia took advantage of the setup of its running game for a couple shots over-the-top and another catch-and-run burst with three touchdown passes from quarterback Adrian Hurtado.
Senior Alex Buchanan caught the first touchdown of the game –14 yards in the back of the end zone – and found a seam on the sideline on a screen pass for a 56-yard burst to open the second half. Buchanan also ran for 42 yards on five carries for 112 all-purpose yards.
Junior Andrew Mendez caught a 24-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter for a 34-0 Valencia lead.
Katella was held off the scoreboard with its offense in check until the fourth quarter. Junior Adam Haqi broke off a 50-yard run to set up a 5-yard scramble score by senior Isaac Sanchez with just under 10 minutes remaining in the game.
Valencia negated Sanchez as a passer, and after he found some success in the scramble game, the Tigers also kept him contained until the late score.
Katella was 1 of 7 on third-down conversions. Valencia earned 20 first downs.
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