Western Gains Some Respect in 35-0 Victory

After a disappointing loss to Loara in its season opener, Western bounced back with a 35-0 nonleague victory over visiting Cypress on Friday night.

The Pioneers (1-1) used a solid running attack and a stingy defense to overwhelm the Centurions (0-2). Running back Sergio Garcia rushed for 136 yards in 18 carries and caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jimmy Conway. Conway rushed for four touchdowns and 63 yards in 15 carries, and completed all four of his passes for 53 yards.

Western Coach Toby Howell was pleased with his team’s dramatic improvement.

“We certainly were not perfect, but our execution was a lot better than last week,” said Howell, whose team lost its first game, 24-7. “Last week’s game really brought us back down to Earth. We looked sharper and we played with a lot more discipline.”

Despite playing without five starters because of suspensions and injuries, the Pioneers were sharp on offense. And their defense allowed only 153 total yards.

“We were much better defensively,” he said. “Giving up 150 is a lot better than giving up the 300 yards we gave up to Loara.”

Garcia, who filled in for starting running back Tremane Robinson, who was suspended for fighting in last week’s game, made an impression.

“I thought he did really well,” Howell said. “I think he can hold up [at running back] if we need him.”