Norwalk Glenn Leaves Century Feeling Run Down

Norwalk John Glenn Coach Joel Parra said the Eagles’ running game would dictate the outcome of their matchup against Century Friday night at Santa Ana Stadium.

The visiting Eagles (1-1) proved him right, using four bruising backs to pile up 160 yards on the ground en route to a 20-13 victory over the host Centurions (1-1).

Eagle fullback Ozzie Burgos led the way, rushing for 73 yards in 13 carries, much of the yardage coming on second efforts. The Eagles’ main weapon, tailback Sal Poti, was contained by Century’s defense, managing just 43 yards in 11 carries.

The Centurions started quickly. On the opening drive, Century defensive back Alex Gutierrez picked off a Tyler Grover pass that was deflected by defensive end Joseph Rivera, and raced down the sideline for a 40-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

Gutierrez picked off Grover’s next attempt too, but Century running back Victor Leite fumbled the ball away on the next play. Leite rushed for 79 yards in 24 carries.

The Eagles, meanwhile, scored 20 unanswered points in the second quarter for a 20-7 lead.

Grover, who misfired on his first four attempts, went on a tear, completing four consecutive attempts, two for touchdowns. With 7:44 left before halftime, Grover hit Rick Arevalo in the flat for a six-yard touchdown, tying the score, 7-7.

An aggressive Eagle defense limited Century to minus-8 yards in the second quarter.