SANTA CLARITA CHRISTIAN HIGH'S 1ST LOSS COMES IN TITLE GAME.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson Staff Writer

RIVERSIDE - In a football season filled with one-sided victories over outmanned opponents, Santa Clarita Christian High learned what it's like on the other side.

The team was defeated 48-0 at Riverside Christian in the Southern Section eight-man championship Saturday in a game shortened by the division's 45-point mercy rule.

``It's a hard loss at this point in the season but it happens,'' Santa

Clarita Christian quarterback Stephen Mercier said. ``They had our number. It seemed like they knew where our plays were going every time.''

Mercier entered as one of the state's most dominant all-around players,accounted for 42 touchdowns through the first 12 games.

But the 6-foot, 200-pound junior completed just 7 of 22 passes for 81 yards with three interceptions. He also managed only 38 yards rushing on 10 carries, losing two fumbles.

Meanwhile, Riverside Christian's Mario Guzman rushed for 324 yards and five touchdowns - including a game-ending 65-yarder with 10 minutes remaining.

``He was a big guy and he ran hard,'' Mercier said.

Santa Clarita Christian (11-2) won most of its games by simply overpowering opponents. This time, Riverside Christian (11-1) did it to them.

Santa Clarita Christian was outgained 390-156. Santa Clarita was down by 19 points before registering its second first down.

``I don't think the teams they've played have hit like this,'' said Guzman, who also played linebacker. ``They didn't know what to do, and then they started getting frustrated because they got down by so much.''

Guzman performed similarly against Faith Baptist of Canoga Park in the quarterfinals two weeks ago, rushing for 356 yards and four TDs.

The 5-foot-9, 205-pound Guzman finished the season with 2,297 yards and 34 touchdowns.

``I think he's an awesome running back,'' Riverside Christian coach Dave DeWoody said. ``He's a great kid, too. There's not a mean bone in his body - unitl you give him a football.''

There wasn't much Santa Clarita Christian coach Garrick Moss could do. Guzman usually had several lead blockers in front of him, and Moss's team was outsized.

``They were physically bigger and he's just a great runner,'' Moss said. ``He's by far the best kid we've seen, and they had great blocking. We tried to contain him but just couldn't physically close the gaps.''

Nevertheless, the season marked quite a turnaround for Santa Clarita Christian, which had never won a playoff game before this year and was winless two seasons ago.

Mercier and fellow standout Orlandi Pena are among the key starters who are underclassmen, so perhaps we haven't heard the last of Santa Clarita Christian.

``It was a great season. We did very well,'' Mercier said.

Moss believes his team will be back.

``The strength of our team is coming back. We're going to hit the weights hard because our goal is to return next year,'' Moss said. ``Riverside Christian has won it two years in a row now, and they knew the whole routine.''