A mixed day for Eagles

Estancia clinches playoff spot before taking the field, then gets blanked by Santa AnaCOSTA MESA -- It was good news and bad news for the Estancia High football team.

First, the good news. The Eagles clinched their first CIF Southern Section playoff berth since 2000. After Costa Mesa’s loss on Friday afternoon, Estancia secured the Golden West League’s fourth automatic playoff bid.

Now, the bad news. Estancia was shut out at home, 39-0, by Santa Ana in the regular-season finale.

Estancia dug itself an insurmountable deficit in the first quarter. The Eagles gave up 23 points, and did not earn a first down until the 10:54 mark of the second quarter.

Santa Ana had no problem taking advantage of Estancia’s sluggish start. The Saints’ first play from scrimmage was a fullback trap for 85 yards. Christian Ramirez ran right through the heart of the Estancia defense on his way to the opening score.

During Estancia’s first possession, the Eagles were flagged for intentional grounding on a thwarted lateral-and-pass. On the next play, quarterback Ryan Watson was sacked in the end zone by two Santa Ana defenders.

Santa Ana was without the services of one of its top offensive weapons, running back Jason McCalope. He was among four Saints starters who were suspended for the game for unspecified disciplinary reasons.

In his place, Adam Salinas tore through the Estancia defense. The sophomore reserve ran for 185 yards on 21 carries and scored a touchdown.

“Adam played more tonight than he had all season,” said Santa Ana Coach Gary Crippen.

Crippen believed his team came together after the suspension of the players.

“They had the choice to rally or go flat,” Crippen said. “The kids really changed their attitude.”

Santa Ana was also the beneficiary of favorable field position all evening. Santa Ana’s average starting field position was its own 42-yard line.

Estancia was unable to duplicate its rushing performance from the previous game.

Last week, the Eagles gained 219 yards on the ground in a win against Saddleback. Against Santa Ana, they were held to 35. Ezequiel Villavazo was the leading rusher with 17 yards.

Coach Brian Barnes said he was not pleased with his team’s performance after the game.

“We knew what they [Santa Ana] were going to do. We just didn’t execute,” Barnes said.

Estancia (2-8, 2-4 in league) finished tied for fourth place in the Golden West League with Costa Mesa. Because Estancia beat Costa Mesa on Sept. 30, 20-14, the Eagles earned fourth place and the postseason appearance.

Barnes and his staff didn’t announce the result of the Costa Mesa loss, before the game, but the coach doubted the players were unaware.

“I am sure the news trickled through. With all the kids having cell phones, it was bound to happen,” Barnes said.

SANTA ANA 39, ESTANCIA 0

SCORE BY QUARTERS