Rojo Puts Katella Over the Top

David Rojo scored two touchdowns, one rushing and another on a pass play, to help Katella beat Magnolia, 21-6, in a nonleague football game Thursday night at Glover Stadium.

Rojo and quarterback Jaret Wright combined on a 69-yard pass play for a touchdown early in the third quarter to give the Knights a 14-0 lead. The play started innocently enough when Wright threw over the middle to Rojo, who had come out of the backfield.

Rojo bobbled the ball as he turned to run. But when the ball went up the two Magnolia defenders, who were ready to hit Rojo, stopped in hopes of recovering the ball.

But Rojo was able to control the ball and took off for the end zone.

Chad Fassler kicked the second of his three extra points and Katella led, 14-0, with 10 minutes 43 seconds left in the third quarter.

Magnolia came right back, however, with the help of Katella’s defense.

The Knights were called for two unsportsmanlike penalties to help Magnolia drive 67 yards in nine plays for a touchdown. Tony Iliescu capped the drive with a six-yard run up the middle. But the extra point was missed and Katella led, 14-6, with 5:33 left in the third quarter.

The Knights’ final score was set up when Juan Viramontes returned a punt 25 yards to the Magnolia 20.

Rojo, a senior, scored on a three-yard run up the middle with 8:04 left in the game.

Rojo rushed for 27 yards in nine carries and caught all three passes Wright completed for 86 yards. Wright, known for his passing, was more impressive running the option. He was three for eight with an interception but rushed for a team-high 42 yards in nine carries.

He had two key runs on Katella’s first touchdown drive. On fourth and four at the Magnolia 32, he kept the ball on the option and gained eight yards. The ball was advanced to the 12 when Magnolia was called for a late hit.

Wright later scored from six yards out on another option but not before turning to run over a defender as he went into the end zone.