ANAHEIM – Dan Davidson didn’t envision his team surrendering a touchdown on the first kickoff of his Western coaching tenure, but the sour start was overshadowed by an ending that was better than he ever imagined.
Don Anderson rushed for a 6-yard score with 1:05 remaining, and David Cordero picked off a Katella pass with no time left to give Davidson and the Pioneers a 28-27 victory against Katella in a nonleague game at Western High on Thursday.
“It was unbelievable,” Davidson said. “I can’t describe how emotional this first game was. A big drive like that, and our defense played amazing all night.”
Western drove 44 yards in five plays, and finished the drive with Anderson’s TD. Katella (0-1) subsequently reached the Pioneers’ 35-yard line, but Ricardo Armenta saw Cordero pick off his last pass.
The Pioneers held off a valiant effort from Knights running back Fred Macias, who rushed for for 175 yards on 33 carries.
In the first half, Western was able to stay in the game thanks to two crucial defensive scores.
Brandon Olvera returned a Katella fumble 68 yards for a touchdown to tie the score, 7-7, in the first quarter. Anderson returned a Knights’ fumble 84 yards for another score in the second.
In total, the Pioneers (1-0) forced five turnovers — three fumbles and two interceptions.
Quarterback Nick Zarate rushed for a 3-yard TD to tie the score at 21 in the third.
Contact the writer: amorales@ocregister.com
