Football: Saddleback Valley Christian 26, Capistrano Valley Christian 0

You have to figure the name of Nick Siciliani was invoked at some point Thursday night before, during or after Saddleback Valley Christian shut out the San Joaquin League’s other undefeated team to win the league title.

Siciliani would have been a junior lineman this season, but died in a single-car accident over the summer with his father, Jim. Nick was honored at the team’s first home game, and the victory Thursday no doubt honored him as well.

This is the seventh consecutive league title for Saddleback Valley Christian, which pinned the first loss of the season on the Eagles, who had averaged more than 46 points per game and only twice had allowed more than seven points.

Score: Saddleback Valley Christian 26, Capistrano Valley Christian 0

Key Stats: The SVC defense limited the Capo Valley Christian offense to 99 yards.

Pivotal Moment: It appeared the teams would be separated by only a touchdown going into halftime, but James Bethea peeled off a 60-yard score with 29 seconds left to make it 13-0 (the PAT was blocked). The momentum shift carried into the second half, where Saddleback Valley Christian controlled the clock and added to their margin with a couple of late scores.

Quotable: “I couldn’t be prouder. All 33 of them did their job,” SVC coach Justin Reber told the Orange County Register.           

Records: Saddleback Valley Christian (8-2 overall, 4-0 in the San Joaquin League), Capistrano Valley Christian (8-1, 3-1)

Notes: Saddleback Valley Christian’s defense forced three turnovers, all interceptions. It also recorded three sacks. … One of those interceptions was returned 8 yards for a touchdown by Marco Castellanos for a 7-0 lead a bit more than three minutes into the second quarter. … CVC had averaged more than 46 points per game. … SVC’s defense has allowed 8.1 points, on average. … Jake Markum threw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, 17 yards to Sawyer Caso-Nogle with 5:52 remaining, and 18 yards to Charlie Morris with 3:53 to go. … Bethea finished with 146 yards rushing, and Markum 102 yards passing. … Sam Sukut gained a team-high 54 yards rushing for CVC. Quarterback Riley Babick passed for 9 yards. … Capo Valley Christian was ranked No. 6 in Southern Section Northeast Division XIII; SVC was ranked No. 9.