Saugus QB, Nathan Eldrige (28), scrambles to make a pass in a 44-2 playoff blowout against Sonora High School at College of the Canyons on Friday, Nov. 10, 2017. Christian Monterrosa/ The Signal

By Nate Graham
For The Signal

It’s said all life is a play.

Well, if that’s the case, the Saugus football team appeared ready for its curtain call Friday.

The Centurions (4-6) turned in a commanding performance after their 44-2 win over Sonora High during a first-round, CIF-Southern Section Division 6 game.

Saugus quarterback Nathan Eldridge was making just his second start since returning from a broken hand and did not show any rust. Neither did the Centurions’ defense, which smothered the Raiders offensive attack to keep them out of the end zone for most of the game.

On one of Saugus’ first drives of the game, Eldridge used his speed to punish Sonora as he ran for a 29-yard touchdown to go up 6-0.

It was not long before Eldridge flexed his arm strength when hit fellow senior Keith Brooker in stride for a 62-yard touchdown, giving Saugus a 12-0.

Senior Quinn Sheaffer also put on a show for fans in the stands. The running back picked up 20 yards to set up another Eldridge touchdown in the second quarter. The 20-yard rush pushed Sheaffer over the 1,000-yard mark for the season.

“That’s my boy right there, Quinn Sheaffer,” said Eldridge. “We’ve been playing since freshman year and I can’t say enough about him, he makes me a better person on and off the field.”

Eldridge would eventually score later in the first half, after the senior connecting with receiver Keith Brooker for a touchdown.

The Saugus senior quarterback dominated most of the game, accounting for 24 of Saugus’ 27 first half points. Eldridge finished the game with four touchdowns.

In the third quarter, Sheaffer extended the Centurions lead to 34-0 following another score. Sheaffer and Eldridge finished the night combining for 36 of the Centurions 44 points.

Saugus will face off against St. Paul next week on the road in the second round of the CIF playoffs.