BREA — What a difference a year makes.
Last season Segerstrom lost a league title-deciding game at home to Brea Olinda.
This year, the Jaguars returned the favor behind a touchdown run by Louis Garcia and a key interception by Ayden Morales as they outdueled the Wildcats 14-7 in overtime on Friday night at Brea Olinda High.
Segerstrom (7-2, 4-0) clinches a share of the Kappa League championship and can win the title outright if it defeats Garden Grove in the regular season finale next week.
Jaguars coach Joseph Tagaloa praised the entire team and staff for their efforts in reversing their fortunes from a year ago.
“Both teams left their hearts out there on the field,” Tagaloa said. “You know, we played a gritty, hard-fought game against a good team, and when it came down to it, our guys made plays down the stretch.
“I’m just very proud of everybody’s effort. Nobody hung their head, even when things weren’t going our way, our guys still continued to believe and (they) fought for all four quarters.”
Segerstrom also fought hard in overtime.
The Jaguars had the first possession and Garcia threw an incomplete pass intended for tight end Diego Garcia on third down.
Brea Olinda (6-3, 3-1) was flagged for an unnecessary roughness penalty after the intended receiver was hit, which gave Segerstrom a fresh set of downs.
Two plays later quarterback Louis Garcia gave the Jaguars a 14-7 lead with his 7-yard keeper.
The Wildcats weren’t as fortunate on their first overtime possession as Gavyn Nicholson was picked off by Morales, ending the game.
Morales finished with 161 rushing yards, a receiving touchdown and an interception.
Tagaloa admitted that he had been limiting Morales’ time on defense but with so much riding on this game, the plan changed.
“We tried to limit his defensive snaps because he’s our offensive guy this year,” Tagaloa said, “but what people don’t realize is last year, he was our best defender. You know, he was our defensive player of the year. We rest him on defense, but when the game’s on the line, he said, ‘Coach, put me in’ and he made a big play for us. Man, he sealed the deal.”
Brea Olinda began the game by moving the ball downfield consistently but fumbled once they crossed midfield and the loose ball was recovered by Andrew Abarca.
Abarca also had an interception for the Jaguars.
The Wildcats opened the scoring on their second possession when Nicholson connected with Ryan Nero on a 67-yard TD pass. Nero finished with 120 receiving yards.
The Wildcats blocked two field goal attempts by Segerstrom in the game as special teams made an impact.
Noah Martinez found Morales on a 30-yard pass to tie the score 7-7 with 50 seconds left in the half.
The Jaguars took advantage of a miscue by Brea, as their snap to the punter went over his head and gave Segerstrom excellent field position.
Brea Olinda coach Justin Villasenor was also proud of his team’s effort despite the cruel defeat.
“I think both teams battled,” Villasenor said. “They had some mistakes early, we had some mistakes a little late. But, I mean, they’re a tough team, they’re a physical team, just like we are. So, I mean, it’s a great matchup, it’s a great battle. I mean, it was last year (too). This year we took it to overtime but they came up victorious this time. I mean, we were right there. So I couldn’t be prouder with my guys. fighting for four quarters and plus.”
