Brito, Western Trim Magnolia

Gil Brito passed for two first-half touchdowns to lead Western High School to a 27-7 victory over Magnolia in the Orange League opener for both Thursday at Western.

Brito’s first scoring pass went 26 yards to John Walder and Brito’s extra-point gave Western a 7-0 lead with 2:12 left in the first half. Less than a minute later, Brito found Alfredo Villegos for a 28-yard touchdown pass. Western, which led 14-0 at the half, got the ball back after the first touchdown on a Magnolia fumble.

Brito, who alternated at quarterback and running back, was three of nine for 84 yards and two touchdowns through the air. He also rushed for 31 yards in 14 carries.

Western (3-3 overall, 1-0 in league) had a strong defensive effort, too. The Pioneers held Magnolia (1-5, 0-1) to 27 total yards, 18 yards rushing and nine passing.

Western added two fourth-quarter touchdowns. Errick Bryan scored on a four-yard run on the first play of the fourth quarter and Walder returned a punt 45 yards for a touchdown with about six minutes left to play.

Magnolia’s touchdown came on the last play from scimmage when quarterback Doug Isaacks scored on a five-yard run.