In a Flash, Loara Runs Away With Katella’s Playoff Hopes

It took less than 15 seconds for Katella’s slim playoff hopes to vanish Thursday night at Glover Stadium.

That’s how long it took Denison Dawson of Loara to return the opening second-half kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, sparking the Saxons to a 23-0 Empire League victory over Katella.

Katella (3-6, 1-3 in league) needed a victory to stay in the Southern Section playoff hunt, but it was Loara (6-3, 3-1) that moved a step closer to the playoffs. Loara needs a victory over Los Alamitos next week to secure second place in the Empire League.

Loara held Katella to 33 total yards offense in the second half, and held the Knights to only 82 yards for the game.

Loara’s defense scored the game’s first touchdown when Josh Runer returned an interception 47 yards for a score with 1 minute 28 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

After Dawson’s kickoff return, Katella botched a punt snap on its next possession, and Loara’s Jason Ortiz recovered the ball.

Two plays later, Robert Bradshaw scored on an eight-yard touchdown run to put Loara ahead, 20-0, with 9:15 remaining in the third quarter.