Cardinal defense continued to hit hard throughout the game which frustrated Oak Park offense. Defense was led by Ryan Tillman, Johnny Vera, Tim Robledo, Daniel Valverde, Ronnie Harmon, and Joey Zavala.``I was very pleased with our efforts in our final game of the 2000 season,'' said Coach Isaac Reyes. ``Joining the varsity for their run in CIF playoffs will be Matt Lindsey, Ronnie Harmon, and Johnny Vera. For the varsity team to give an opportunity like this to freshmen is not very common, but the experience for them will be invaluable.''
Freshman end season with win
November 17, 2000
Santa Paula News
Santa Paula 14, Oak Park 7
Matt Lindsey led the Cardinals to a 14-7 victory over visiting Oak Park last Wednesday. The win improves Santa Paula to a season record of 4-5.With a little more than a minute left in the first half the Cardinals orchestrated one of the best drives of the year. Santa Paula marched 55 yards behind the great blocking of the offensive line which included Johnny Vera. Ronnie Harmon, Marcus Barrera, Alfonso `Worm' Osegura, and Angel Vera. Joey Zavala led the pounding ground game as he ran the ball on two consecutive plays for a first down. Then, Matt Lindsey hooked up with tight end Alex Magana for another first down and called time-out to stop the clock with 20 seconds left. Linsey pump faked the Oak Park secondary and found Keith Newcombe in the end zone with no Eagle in sight. Making the score 7-0 at halftime.On the opening drive of the second half the Eagles scored on a trap play from 30 yards out. Tim Robledo came up with an interception in the third quarter. On the ensuing drive everyone contributed. Ruben Villa gained a first down on a reverse, then Simon Mata gained eight yards on a sweep led by Zavala and Angel Vera. The play finalized when Linsey hit Villa for a 35-yard touchdown pass.
