By admin 
Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now
Read more Diamondbacks top Royals in 11th for fourth straight win
Running back Fern Dircio felt something needed to change in Santa Ana Valley’s football program, even if it wouldn’t be easy.
The Falcons headed to the offseason last winter after their second consecutive winless campaign.
Dircio believed a stronger commitment was needed from the players, including himself.
For the senior, that meant balancing football workouts with his job at a pizza chain.
“Over the offseason, it was pretty tough because I had to manage going to work with being here at practice,” he said. “I was constantly calling off work or missing work to be here because I knew that something had to change and if I wasn’t here then I wouldn’t be improving.”
Several other players made stronger commitments to the program, and the results have been startling. Santa Ana Valley takes a 3-0 overall record into its Tango League game with visiting Bolsa Grande (1-2) on Friday.
The Falcons have shed a 21-game winless streak to start 3-0 for the first time since 2010.
The players took the practice field Monday wearing Valley jerseys featuring a barbell and weights.
“It starts in the weight room,” two-way lineman Anthony Navidad said. “Ever since the start of the offseason, everybody has been turning up the weight room, putting in the work. That’s one of our areas of most improvement.”
“The energy is different now,” the junior added. “Everybody has been showing up, and if they don’t show up, we have to keep them on track … because it’s a team effort.”
Santa Ana Valley’s players aren’t only stronger and better versed in their plays, they’re more confident and relaxed.
The Falcons experienced those positive feelings after defeating California Military Institute 48-8 in their opener.
Santa Ana Valley collected its first victory since Oct. 27, 2023, against Century.
“After that first win,” two-way lineman Dominic Salazar said, “everyone mentally went up. Everyone really loved winning after a two-year losing streak.”
“That one (win) is all we needed,” the junior added. “Pure power.”
Santa Ana Valley finished 0-9-1 last season. In 2024, the Falcons went 0-10.
For a tradition-rich program, those were challenging times.
“Those seasons were pretty tough on me,” Salazar said. “I just had to keep grinding.”
Santa Ana Valley coach Alfredo Macias credits his players for pushing through their hurdles.
Many players such as Dircio balance football and school with jobs.
“None of the kids quit,” said Macias, who played football at Valley and as works as an athletic fields groundskeeper at the school.
Read more Ryan Garcia Vs. Conor Benn Card: Date, Time and How to Watch
Instead, the players worked harder and strengthened their commitment, Macias said.
And on the field, Santa Ana Valley hasn’t slowed down.
The Falcons followed their season-opening win by defeating Katella 39-29 for their first victory against the Knights since 2013.
Last week, Santa Ana Valley opened the Tango League by beating Bolsa Grande 31-6. Diego Vargas (105 yards) and Dircio (99 yards) combined to rush for 204 of the Falcons’ 222 yards.
Quarterback Angel Garcia added his third touchdown pass in as many games.
Santa Ana Valley is averaging 226 yards rushing behind a line that features Salazar, Alex Garduno, Eli Ledesma, Angel Zeleya and Oliver Sanchez. The line hasn’t allowed a sack in three games.
The Falcons also have received breakout performances from Dircio and wide receiver Jason Valencia. Dircio (5-5, 160) has rushed for 376 yards and six TDs.
Santa Ana Valley has progressed so much, reaching the playoffs is a goal.
“Our biggest thing is the commitment and kids taking ownership of what they do,” Macias said. “We can coach but if the kid takes over, and leadership takes over on the team, it makes a huge difference.”
BATTLE OF THE BAY SOLD OUT
The Battle of the Bay football game between Corona del Mar (3-0) and Newport Harbor (2-1) on Thursday has been sold out since last week, the schools’ athletic directors confirm.
“The game is completely sold out,” Newport Harbor athletic director Chris Anderson said. “No tickets will be available at the gate.”
Newport Harbor leads the all-time series 40-24.
JSERRA UNIFORMS
First-year JSerra coach Hardy Nickerson said he worked with Lions equipment manager Joe Meyer on the team’s new uniforms, which resemble those donned by NFL 49ers.
“Looking like the 49ers was not the inspiration,” said Nickerson, a former NFL All-Pro. “It was just a more traditional look for us. … I really like the cross at the V-neck.”
NOTABLE ASSISTANTS
A pair of former Orange County standouts were opposing assistant coaches as Corona del Mar faced Edison last week. Ex-Corona del Mar quarterback Ethan Garbers is coaching quarterbacks for the Sea Kings while former Edison linebacker/wide receiver Hunter White is coaching defensive backs for the Chargers.
“It’s been a blast,” said Garbers, who added that he enjoys sharing his knowledge of the game with players.
SHORT ROUTES
Edison played without defensive back Blaise Burwell and featured running back Sam Edmisten only at punter in a 27-7 loss to Corona del Mar. …
El Dorado and Valencia renew their rivalry Friday at Valencia High. El Dorado leads the all-time series 27-25. The schools first played in 1968. …
Crean Lutheran senior wide receiver Ty Johnson (broken collarbone) hopes to return later this season, Saints coach Rick Curtis said. …
Tustin senior lineman Jon Ioane said he still plans to enroll early at Washington after suffering a season-ending knee injury. …
Rancho Alamitos-Garden Grove at Bolsa Grande High on Friday is the Garden Grove Unified game of the week on YouTube. The Vaqueros are 2-0; Argonauts 0-3.
Read more Aryna Sabalenka rallies to notch 6th straight US Open semifinal berth
Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.
This story was originally published September 8, 2026 at 6:31 PM.