HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK

Royal, after getting trounced by Saugus in a season opener, pulled off the upset of the week, downing Granada Hills, which had been ranked No. 7 in the region by The Times.

“So much for your top 10,” Royal Coach Gene Uebelhardt joked.

The victory was impressive because two Royal starters sat out the game: Running back Randy Plue had an injured right ankle and quarterback Bryce Klenck had the flu.

Royal was outgained, 372 yards to 142, but intercepted two Jason Winn passes, including one by Mike Argo that he returned 56 yards for a touchdown to give Royal a 14-6, third-quarter lead.

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Upon further review, Westlake still lost to Clovis West.

But, in retrospect, the Warriors had plenty of opportunities to beat the 10th-ranked team in the nation, Westlake Coach Jim Benkert said.

“We could’ve, should’ve, would’ve won the football game,” Benkert said. “We needed to have a running game. We needed to have a threat there.”

Running back Julian Lambert rushed for only nine yards in five carries before being sidelined with a sprained ankle. Receiver Chris Catalano was also sidelined with an ankle injury.

“It’s probably going to be very questionable whether they play Friday [against El Camino Real],” Benkert said.