ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL / PREP EXTRA : Loara Survives Big Scare from Katella, 24-18

Loara put itself in the playoff hunt Friday night, beating Katella, 24-18, in an Empire League game at Glover Stadium.

Katella had a chance to win the game, but Loara stopped the Knights’ John Baldridge at the Saxons’ 19-yard line as time ran out.

Loara (3-6, 2-2 in league) can clinch third-place with a victory over Kennedy next week, combined with a loss by Cypress. The Saxons have an outside shot at second-place if Katella upsets El Dorado.

“One game to go,” Loara Coach John deFries said. “It’s a do or die situation, we can’t play for a tie. We’ve got to go for broke.”

Archie Lappin got Loara rolling, passing four yards to Nathan Robbins for a touchdown with 1 minute 10 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

Lappin completed 14 of 23 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns.

Dustin Goetz gave Katella (1-8, 1-3) a 7-6 lead on a one-yard run with 5:51 left in the second quarter.

Goetz, a senior running back, rushed 104 yards in 20 carries.

Loara regained the lead, 12-7, when Lappin passed 63 yards to Marcus McBride with 12 seconds left in the second quarter.

McBride had three passes for 93 yards, and rushed for 51 yards in 10 carries and one score.

Loara scored with no time left in the first half as Pat Marmaud kicked a 24-yard field goal.