Loara Gets Good Play on Both Sides of Ball

Although Loara quarterback Michael Morales didn’t put on an aerial show, the senior helped Loara to a convincing 31-0 victory over Katella in an Empire League game Friday at Glover Stadium.

Morales, who passed for only 28 yards, returned an interception 34 yards for a touchdown and also scored on a 12-yard run to help Loara (5-2, 2-0 in league) score all its points in the first half.

And Morales got plenty of help.

Loara’s defense posted its third consecutive shutout, held Katella (4-3, 1-1) to 68 yards and three first downs through three quarters, and also forced five turnovers. Katella’s Francis Johnson gained only 43 yards in 12 carries.

The Saxon defense also had two sacks, a fumble recovery and four interceptions, including two by Eddie Joosten and one by Aaron Ollero, which he returned 34 yards for a touchdown.

Morales, who completed only five of 11 passes, is probably still more comfortable in the secondary or at wide receiver, where he started last season.

“I know I don’t have as much experience at quarterback as other guys,” Morales said. “But I’m still a leader and I just let my athletic ability take over.”

Morales carried the ball six times for 26 yards, but four of those carries resulted in a touchdown or first downs.

“Mike had a good game,” Loara Coach John DeFries said. “He’s a great athlete and he’s so valuable to the team.”

Another valuable member of the Saxons, kicker Jose Moreno, was ejected late in the first half. He must sit out next week’s game against Kennedy.

Morenogot involved in a minor skirmish after a kickoff.

“I’ve never seen anything like that,” DeFries said. “There was too much trash talking going on. But what’s a kicker going to do to get thrown out? He was trying to get out from underneath someone who was pinning him down. I don’t understand it.”