Western Holds Off Brea-Olinda Comeback

Brea-Olinda’s homecoming was spoiled in more ways than one Friday night.

The ceremony was postponed until Nov. 13 because of bad weather, then Western pounded the Wildcats, 35-14, in an Orange League game at Brea-Olinda.

The Pioneers (6-2, 2-1), scored in just about every way imaginable, including a safety, interception return and kickoff return.

Western led, 15-0, at halftime on a 15-yard run by Brian Norris, a pair of Jason Covarrubias field goals and a safety recovered by Fasi Tuipelchake. Tuipelchake sacked Wildcat quarterback Paul Chiotti in the end zone to give the Pioneers a 12-0 lead with 10:23 left in the second quarter.

Brea-Olinda (3-5, 1-2) scored on a pair of third-quarter touchdown passes by Chiotti.

After a nine-yard touchdown pass to Darin Nicholson, Chiotti ran in a two-point conversion to cut Brea-Olinda’s deficit to 15-8.

Jason Christensen returned the kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown to give Western a 22-8 lead. On the next possession, Chiotti threw 46 yards for a touchdown to Chris Beamer to make it 22-14.

Manuel Chaidez scored on a one-yard run late in the fourth quarter to give Western a 28-14 lead, and Norris returned an interception 18 yards with 3:22 left to seal the victory.

Brea’s loss overshadowed the fine game by Chiotti and Beamer. Chiotti completed 15 of 34 passes for 223 yards, and Beamer finished with six catches for 114 yards.

Brea had trouble holding on to the ball in the first half. The Wildcats lost fumbles on two consecutive possessions in their territory, and Chiotti had two passes intercepted.

Western’s Brandon Brennan completed seven of 19 passes for 109 yards.