PREP EXTRA / ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL : Western Stays Undefeated by Beating Katella

An opportunistic Western offense capitalized on two Katella turnovers in a 21-0 victory Friday night at Western High.

Western (5-0) went ahead, 7-0, on Dean Chambers’ 13-yard touchdown pass to Vince Branstetter with 7 minutes 25 seconds left in the second quarter.

On the ensuing possession, Western’s Peter Mendia recovered a fumble at Katella’s 33-yard line. Three plays later, Mike Mueller scored on a 14-yard run to give the Pioneers a 14-0 lead.

Another Katella turnover led to Western’s final score. Kirk Martinez’s interception and 14-yard return of a John Baldridge pass put the Pioneers at the Katella nine.

Two plays later, Chambers avoided a heavy rush and hit a wide open Bell in the end zone with a nine-yard pass, giving Western a 21-0 lead with 6:35 left.

It was the fourth shutout of the season for Katella (0-5). The Knights lost three of four fumbles and finished with four turnovers.

The Knights lone scoring threat came at the end of the third quarter, but on fourth and goal on Western’s eight-yard line, Baldridge was sacked by Bell for an 11-yard loss as time expired in the quarter.

Katella’s Dustin Goetz was the game’s leading rusher with 90 yards in 19 carries. Branstetter had four receptions for 68 yards.

The Knights, Norman Echevarria recorded a pair of sacks.

Sergio Garcia was the Pioneers’ leading rusher with 57 yards in 14 carries.