Dion’s theft rescues Jaguars

The Fountain Valley Jr. Clinic football team couldn’t score on

offense against Compton, but the Jaguar defense managed to find the end

zone -- and just in the nick of time -- in Saturday’s season opener for

both teams in Jr. All-American Football action..

Danny Dion intercepted a Compton pass and returned it 35 yards for a

touchdown with 42 seconds left in the contest to tie Fountain Valley,

6-6, in Jr. All-American Football action.

Despite not posting any points, the Jaguar offense had a big day, which

was highlighted by a 53-yard gain on a reverse play, with Chris Martinez

handing the ball to Dion.

Defensively, Andy Palacios, Chris Martinez, and Kevin Dion combined for

12 tackles to lead the Jaguars.

* In other games:

JR. MIDGET DIVISION:

Jaguars 6, Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs 6

Fountain Valley overcame a 6-0 halftime deficit when Bryan Reihm

scored on a five-yard run in the third quarter. Quarterback Kyle Feiler,

who guided the Jaguars steadily downfield, led the drive.

Reihm, a middle linebacker, end Michael Musso, cornerback Ross Morrow,

and lineman Jeff Millard paced a Fountain Valley defense that held the

Saints to one touchdown.

Fountain Valley travels to Warren High on Saturday to battle the

Downey Razorbacks at 5 p.m.

CLINIC DIVISION:

Irvine 13, Black Jaguars 6

The Fountain Valley Black Jaguars jumped out to an early lead, but

couldn’t hold off a strong Irvine squad.

The Jaguars got off to a 6-0 lead on a run by quarterback Nick McIsaac,

who scored behind the blocking of Daniel Pkoroski, Nathan Feiler and

Jacob Gale.

Feiler also came up with three tackles for losses on defense, and

Steven Bennett, Matt Empting, Jose Navarro, Nick Sosa, and Rick Rea also

played strong games for Fountain Valley.

The Jaguars, who drove inside Irvine’s 20-yard line on two other

occasions, only to be turned away both times, travel Saturday to play the

Corona Panthers.

JR. PEE WEE DIVISION:

Inglewood 40, Teal Jaguars 0

The Teal Jaguars, a team comprised mostly of first-year players, had

their hands full against the Titans, who formerly were known as the

Baldwin Hills Titans of the Pop Warner program, at Jackie Robinson

Stadium in Baldwin Hills.

The Titans were the three-time state regional champion before making

the move to Jr. All-American Football this year.

Highlights for Fountain Valley included a 10-yard interception by

Dominic Santana, a play made possible when teammate Max Bell pressured

the Inglewood quarterback.

Fountain Valley plays its home opener Saturday against the Carson

Colts (North).

PEE WEE DIVISION:

Compton 25, Jaguars 0

The final score from this non-league game was not indicative of the

effort given by the Jaguars at Lynwood High. Fountain Valley’s defense

turned away Compton on four plays inside the Jaguar 10-yard line on the

Titans first possession of the day, and it also prevented the Titans from

scoring on three of their four point after attempts.

Running back Ahmed Abdelmuti turned in a strong rushing game behind

the play of linemen Brandon Cooke, Justin Ratliff, Edgar Santana, Chris

Lee, Garrett Gaska and Adam Kennaday.

Fountain Valley hosts Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs on Saturday (1 p.m.) at

Fountain Valley High.