Loara Wins to Clinch Share of League Title

Loara clinched at least a share of the Empire League title with a 41-0 rout of Century on Thursday night at Santa Ana Stadium.

Billy Chavez led the way for Loara (7-2, 3-0), carrying the ball 15 times for 161 yards, including touchdown runs of 32 and 35 yards. Chavez also returned a punt 56 yards for a score.

Saxon quarterback Jeremy Ellis completed 15 of 24 passes for 186 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

The first touchdown pass was 45 yards to Rudy Acosta, who finished with six receptions for 102 yards. The other was to Joey Ellis, Jeremy’s brother, from seven yards to complete the scoring.

Miguel Gonzales kicked field goals of 24 and 31 yards at the end of the Saxons’ first two drives.

The only bright spot for Century (2-7, 0-4) was provided by running back Fortino Rivera, who came in needing 39 yards to break the school single-season rushing mark of 1,220 yards set in 1991 by Juan Garcia.

Rivera gained 158 yards on 19 carries Thursday, giving him 1,340 yards with one game to go.

The Loara defense held the rest of the Century offense to 31 yards in total offense.

Loara can win the Empire League title outright with a victory over Katella next Friday.