Westminster’s Ground Attack Wears Down Santa Ana

WESTMINSTER — A strong Westminster rushing offense wore down the Santa Ana defense in the second half, enabling the Lions to roll to a 37-16 victory in a Golden West League game Friday night at Westminster High.

Westminster (3-5, 2-1) was led by the running back combination of Erick Arthur and Mike Cope. Cope rushed for 89 yards in 11 carries and his two touchdowns gave the Lions the lead. Arthur carried the ball 22 times for 147 yards and two late touchdowns.

Westminster was so dominant on the ground in the second half that quarterback Elijah McCarthy did not attempt a pass.

Santa Ana (0-8, 0-3) got off to a fast start in search of its first victory in more than two years.

The Saints drove 60 yards on nine plays in five minutes on their first possession. Jose Leon carried it in from 12 yards.

The lead was stretched to 16-0 on a 53-yard halfback option pass from Rigo Oropeza to Juan Ramirez. Santa Ana was able to keep the scoring drive alive when Westminster was flagged for a personal foul after Santa Ana tried to run for a first down after failing to punt the ball because of a bad snap.

On Westminster’s next drive, the Lions went 66 yards in seven plays. McCarthy dived in from one yard to cut Santa Ana’s lead to 16-6.

Santa Ana linebacker Ronnie Feliz suffered a concussion, according to a Saint assistant coach, and was taken to a local hospital for observation.