Mueller’s Switch Pays Off as Western Handles Warren

Mike Mueller is Western High’s Mr. Everything.

Mueller, the team’s leading receiver, moved into the backfield Thursday and was the featured attraction as Western beat Downey Warren, 30-12, in a battle of undefeated teams.

Mueller, a senior, rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown, caught two passes (of the three completed by Western), and returned a kickoff for a touchdown. He had 230 all-purpose yards.

The Pioneers (4-0) led 7-6 at the half on the strength of a 26-yard touchdown run by Sergio Garcia. On the opening drive of the second half, Dean Chambers completed a 51-yard scoring pass to Vince Branstetter to make it 14-6.

Both offenses stagnated after that, combining for only two first downs in the final 21 minutes.

It wasn’t an issue for Western, which took full advantage of its opportunities. An interception by John Cangey gave the Pioneers the ball at the Warren eight-yard line, and Mueller scored on a one-yard plunge on fourth and goal to make it 21-6.

Warren quarterback Matt Sorenson ran 75 yards two plays later to narrow the margin to 21-12, but Mueller returned the kickoff 90 yards for his second touchdown of the night and a 27-12 lead.

David Bell added a 48-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to cap the scoring. Warren is 3-1.