Brea Olinda Builds Big Lead, Rolls Past Savanna

Brea Olinda jumped out to a 38-0 lead and defeated Savanna, 38-21, in an Orange League game Thursday at Western High.

The eighth-ranked Wildcats (8-0-1, 3-0-1), who rushed for a school-record 432 yards against Magnolia last week, gained 349 yards on the ground Thursday and scored on four of five first-half possessions.

Kenny Washington, the county’s 11th-leading rusher, had impressive scoring runs of 76 and 31 yards on Brea’s second and third possessions, giving the Wildcats a 21-0 lead in the opening minute of the second quarter.

Nick Stagnaro made it 28-0 later in the period with his county-leading 10th interception, which he returned 21 yards for a score.

Savanna (4-5, 2-2) lost more than a game. Leading rusher Marcus Jimmerson had to leave late in the third period with an injury to his right knee. His status for next week’s key game against Western is not known.

Ronald Taylor replaced Jimmerson and rushed for 45 yards and three touchdowns over the final 15:02 to make the score more respectable.

Brea will host Valencia next Friday in a game that will decide the league championship. There might be more at stake in the Savanna-Western game, though, as only the winner will advance to the CIF Division IX playoffs.