Los Amigos Uses Defense to Dominate La Quinta

GARDEN GROVE — Eki Tauli intercepted two passes and recovered a fumble in the first half to help the Los Amigos defensive unit shut out La Quinta, 39-0, Thursday in Garden Grove League play at Garden Grove High.

Shaun Tagatauli scored on the first play of the game, a fumble recovery in the end zone, and the Lobos never looked back.

Two plays later, Tauli returned an interception 12 yards to set up the Lobos’ second touchdown, an eight-yard scoring run by Tagatauli.

On the next play from scrimmage, Tauli recovered a fumble at the La Quinta four-yard line. Two plays later, Naia Kee scored to give Los Amigos a 20-0 lead.

Los Amigos (4-2, 3-0 in league) forced seven turnovers in the game.

Ryan Cleary kicked a 22-yard field goal to increase the Lobos’ lead to 23-0.

La Quinta again fumbled on its next possession and it was recovered by Los Amigos’ Ray Sanchez at the Aztec 37. Javier Acevez then hit Thong Nguyen with a 37-yard touchdown pass.

La Quinta (2-4, 0-2) got a break to open the second half when Mike Longmeyer’s 90-yard kickoff return was fumbled and Beau Walters recovered in the end zone for a touchback.

The Los Amigos defense, however, pushed La Quinta back to the six and a snap over the punter’s head gave the Lobos a safety and a 32-0 lead.

Los Amigos added a 40-yard touchdown run by Levertis Riley late in the third quarter.