By KENNY CONNOLLY
Special to OCVarsity.com
ANAHEIM — Savanna coach Roger Whalen said before the game he feared Artesia’s playmaking ability.
“When our kids get an opportunity to make a tackle, they need to,” Whalen said. “These other guys have got a lot of speed to make things happen.”
Unfortunately for Savanna, Whalen was right.
The Pioneers’ spread offense proved to be too fast for the Rebels, who fell, 40-21, in their season opener Thursday night at Glover Stadium.
Artesia QB Donnay Ragland completed 12 of 18 passes for 234 yards and a TD. Most of the yardage was gained after the catch as Derrell Randell and Alvin Gray’s shifty moves earned them bonus yardage.
Gray compiled five catches for 103 yards — all in the first half. Randell had catches of 30, 27, 23, and 38 yards as he totaled nine catches for 150 yards.
Savanna had an opportunity to score early but Christian Chivarra’s 42-yard field-goal attempt sailed wide left.
Late in the first quarter the Pioneers drove 80 yards in three plays to take a 7-0 lead. Ragland scored on QB draw from 5 yards.
Trailing 21-0 in the second quarter, the Rebels got on the board when Vito Zaccaria connected with Donevin Washington on a 27-yard TD pass, cutting Artesia’s lead to 21-7.
Savanna defensive backs Nick Hedspeth and Washington intercepted passes late in the first half to foil two Pioneers drives.
Zaccaria rushed for 79 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries while enduring some punishing hits from the Pioneers defense.
DaShawn Miller led the offense with 140 yards rushing and a TD.
