GARDEN GROVE LEAGUE FOOTBALL : Los Amigos Sends Pacifica Reeling, 44-20

GARDEN GROVE — Pacifica can only make the Southern Section Division VII playoffs as an at-large team after the Mariners were beaten by Los Amigos, 44-20, in Garden Grove League play Thursday night at Bolsa Grande High.

Los Amigos (9-1, 6-1 in league) quickly doused Pacifica’s hopes by taking a 24-0 lead in the second quarter before Pacifica (5-5, 4-3) managed a first down. The Lobos sewed up the league’s No. 2 playoff slot with another impressive showing.

With fullback Sauaga Leofa leading the way, Los Amigos rolled up 435 yards total offense with 303 yards on the ground. Leofa had 210 yards and two touchdowns in 21 carries. Lobo quarterback Ape Tuato completed six of 13 passes for 132 yards and completed touchdown passes of 30 yards to John McMills and 38 yards to Noah Tagatauli.

Pacifica fought back behind quarterback Jeff DePippo but never got closer than 17 points. DePippo, whose best plays came after scrambling from Los Amigos pressure, ran for 152 yards and three touchdowns in 19 carries.

Frank Aceves’ 20-yard field goal opened the Los Amigos scoring after an 85-yard drive stalled on the Mariner three. Los Amigos scored on its next three possessions before Pacifica mounted a second-quarter scoring drive with DePippo scoring from the 11.

After Jake Sanchez intercepted a DePippo pass on the Lobo nine, Los Amigos scored three third-quarter touchdowns and a 44-14 lead.

Tuato’s 38-yard pass to Tagatauli finished a 91-yard drive. Leofa’s 15-yard touchdown run and George Vargas’ 43-yard interception return finished any hopes of a Mariner comeback.